Four hands went up.
This is the usual response at conferences. When I ask this question, it is a moment of truth. And the audience responds with an honest reckoning of where they are with their self-care. They are being real.
I am posing the same question to you.
Are you a model of self-care?
What does that mean?
It means that you prioritize taking good care of yourself and others can look at you and literally see your self-care. You model it for others.
Modeling is extremely important if you are leading or managing a team.
Modeling is extremely important if you are leading or managing a team.
Your self-care shows on your body, attitude, and how you feel.
You are calm, unhurried.
You do not carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.
You are eating healthy, getting the 7 hours or more of sleep your body needs.
You are not stressed or overwhelmed.
You are running on a full tank inside, not an empty one.
Your day ends and work stops within reasonable hours. You are not overextended in your work hours.
You have time each day for simple pleasures and do things that give you joy.
You may have health needs, but you are doing everything you can to take the best care of you concerning your health.
You have quality time for your relationships.
You have practices such as meditation and journaling, and make time for reflection.
How do you get from here to there?
This is what growing your boundaries is all about. When you do the work, it shows.
I get emails all the time from people who see a big difference in how they are treating themselves. Here are some of their self-care breakthroughs:
Do what is needed to live well with a health issue.
Taking time for beach walks.
Saying No to working extra hours.
Speaking their truth to a family member.
Declining events that interfere with their precious family time.
Sticking to their budget.
Taking time to think before making a big decision.
Pursuing a dream and making their dreams real.
Trying new things that help them with self-care.
Making time with friends.
Not getting snagged by someone's anger.
Not obsessing about what other people think or feel.
Not obsessing about what other people think or feel.
Going to counseling when they are hurting and worried and scared.
Asking for help, letting others in.
Taking time to be alone.
Asking for help, letting others in.
Taking time to be alone.
Listening to their soul.
The pay off is big for those of you on this journey with me.
Boundary work is not one size fits all. If you are willing to do your inside work, you will hear your own truth showing you the way to what you really need for your self-care.
The hardest part is to trust yourself and listen to your truth.
The hardest part is to trust yourself and listen to your truth.
Next time I ask the question I want to see more hands up.
For now, I just want to know, is your hand up?
If not, it is time for you to do the transformative boundary work.
Please check out my online classes and book, Transform Your Boundaries to help you.
