Does it seem like when we need it the most, we are least inspired to take care of ourselves? Is this true for all of us? (or is it just me?) We can be going along, eating right, exercising, drinking enough water, hanging with our friends, when suddenly some challenge hits us and we go off course and downhill. Why does the inspiration we initially feel evaporate when we need it the most? Does it only happen when we get hit with something stressful or maybe boredom? Or? The detective in me loves to ask questions and look for answers.
There are some (few) folks I have known who are unshakeable in their commitment to self-care, no matter what; Sid was one of those people. In my mind, he’s still my positive role model for self-care. In the 15 years that we were together, I bet he didn’t miss a dozen days of morning exercises (yep, about once a year). Wherever we were he had his morning routine and inspired me (sometimes a very travel-weary me) to take care of myself by getting out of bed and get moving (smile). Good memories, and great motivation.
What does it take for you to get out of Inspiration Evaporation and love yourself? Sometimes it helps to have a workout buddy, (who can be 4 legged!) or a reward. I’ve found that its also useful to set small goals in the beginning. For example, can you do self-care 5 out of 7 days, try for 3 or 4? Or maybe congratulate yourself on one thing you did for your self-care today. You’ll be surprised at how meeting and surpassing small goals can reward and encourage you to do more. We all know how not meeting our goals builds up a negative feedback loop, and who needs that?
When self-love and self-care become fully integrated, a new good habit, it becomes its own reward. So, the sun is shining, the sidewalks are clear. What is your inspiration, your reason for loving yourself today?