Self-care and self-love sometimes fade away from our routine and we do not notice it. Do you know about those feeling blue and feeling blah kind of days? Well, we all have them once in a while. But, for me, that lasted for about 5 months and the most alarming thing is I let it take over me and did not even realize it was happening. I ate more chocolates to make me happy and slept longer than usual to feel better. But, everything seemed so pointless and dull. I lost appetite for life.
I stopped blogging and thought I should wait for inspiration to come to me. I stayed away from social media as isolation from the world seemed so cozy. What started all this is a string of very personal events but, the effect poured into the creative and professional areas of my life.
But a few weeks back I logged into Instagram and saw the messages from some of you and realized that I truly just let myself and my life go. It is important for me to talk about all this to you as this blog is all about improving oneself and living a fuller life and most importantly it is about falling in love with life.
It is okay to have two or three blah days that keep us on the bed for longer but, anything more than that is not healthy. Some of us need medical help and some need an absolute change in their life. But the most important thing is for you to acknowledge that you are not feeling as good as you once used to. The second most important step is for you to commit to taking your life back. And any kind of change is truly possible only if you have absolute belief in yourself.
I have since then taken small but effective self-care steps to get myself and my life back on track. After so many months I am just sitting here sipping my coffee and typing this post up and it is giving me so much happiness that I have a goofy smile now. I am regaining an appetite for my life and feeling much better than before.
I am excited to do a detailed post for you all on the small simple self-care steps that enabled me to get back on track and also to say goodbye to a few pesky pounds that sneaked into my body without permission.
It is embarrassing to admit that I read and write about positivity all the time and the very same me had a pity party for months on end. I feel so vulnerable to even talk about it but, it needs to be talked about so that it can reach you all.
We all talk about falling and getting up and bouncing back into life but, many of us keep shush about the moments when you do not get up. We never talk about how there are days when we do not want to wake up. So here I am telling you all that I failed and fell and just sat there for way too long focusing on everything that is wrong with me and my life and that aspect gained enough momentum to bring an even bigger downward spiral in my life.
The very basic steps that helped me to get my life together are:
- Acknowledging that I am not feeling good (most of us are in denial about our mental health)
- Committing to taking my life back (when you think “I will try” there is hesitation and you won’t show up)
- Belief in myself that I can get back on track and I can look and feel better ( Self-belief can take us everywhere in life and make us accomplish things that were beyond our dreams)
- Making a simple plan to detox and nourish my mind, body, and soul daily
Acknowledging you are not feeling good
Acknowledging to oneself that you need help is only the start. You should be able to reach the next stage of getting help by talking to a professional. And I personally believe a professional is more of help because most of us can unload to a stranger our entire burden without having to worry about being judged or about our secrets being spilled.
Committing to taking your life back
When you have an attitude of okay I will try let us see etc. you will never see results. When you commit 100 percent to your decision of becoming a better version of yourself the hesitancy element is taken out and all your energy is directed to your commitment. I have personally experienced miracles after I have committed to my goals and decisions. People show up with guidance and actual help and things fall into place all because you have become clear about and committed to what you want.
One of my favorite quotes is by William Hutchison Murray and it is, “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”
Believe in Yourself
Even if the entire world believes that you are not capable enough, your strong belief in yourself that you are capable and you can do whatever you put your mind into is enough to take you towards your goals. Every self-doubt and fear must be smaller than your self-belief. For me just looking back at the things I have achieved and dark phases I have overcome is a big reminder to have faith in the universe and a strong belief in myself.
Make plans to nourish your mind, body, and soul
Self-love and self-care are more than just visiting a spa. It is about self-awareness and doing inner work that will help you live life in a more positive way. It is about finding your subconscious blocks and rewriting your self-limiting beliefs. Journaling, spending time in nature, eating healthy foods, sleeping 8 hours every night and meditating are a few ways you can nourish yourself. Consuming positive content (books, podcasts, videos, etc.) that aids in your self-growth is perfect nourishment for your mind. Practicing stillness, forgiveness, yoga and serving humanity are all ways to nourish your soul.
There is definitely so much more I can write on this topic so the second part is coming soon.
As of now, I am leaving you with a few lines from Rumi that will help you to muse about life.
“There is a fountain inside you
Don’t walk around with an empty bucket”
Some posts you may like:
Bringing back Self Care Habits
A Journey to Self Love and Acceptance- NEW SERIES
Brain Dump- Why should you do it?
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