Supreme Self Care

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?

                    And if I am only for myself, what am I? And

                    if not now-when?

                                        -Hillel

   How can I take care of myself without neglecting others? How can I say “no” without feeling guilty or selfish? Will I come across as narcissistic and self centered? How much self care is too much, and how much is not enough?

   Through the years, I have often given my energy away to friends, family members, and acquaintances only to be left with a feeling of being both drained and resentful. You see, I am the type of person who lets the homeless in to sleep on my couch. Or I have been known to nurse people back to health. I am also the kind of mother who bends over backwards for her child. I absolutely like giving to others! It feels really great to serve humanity and it can often fill my soul, but then other times it can backfire! 

   The trick to avoiding a build up of resentment and feeling zapped is supreme self care. It is essential that I fill up my emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual tank first and then I can drive efficiently and effectively through life. How do I fill up my tank? First of all, I need a minimum of eight hours of sleep a night. Secondly, I need to walk at least two to three miles a day. Thirdly, I need to pray and stay in gratitude daily. Fourthly, I need to eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as possible. Fifthly, I need to go where the love is! Avoid negative and judgmental people as often as possible and surround myself with uplifting and optimistic people. And finally I need to learn to say “no” to others more and say “yes” to myself more. I deserve it!

   The key to supreme self care without coming across as self centered is balance. First and foremost, I need to treat myself with kindness and respect, and then it will spill over into the world. If my well being is fulfilled in all ways it will only become contagious to those around me. If I have to say “no” to others in order to fulfill my own needs, I have to be okay with their disappointment and possible rejection. I have to come first, otherwise I end up giving to others with inauthenticity and it will only backfire and create disharmony for my soul!

To find more about Susan Foxley and her workshops, TV shows and books visit FoxleyFitness.com today.