We are in relationship. We have kids. We are focused on career. Don’t forget self-care!
I don’t remember when I started to ignore her. Maybe it was somewhere between my undergrad degree and the piles of dirty laundry. Maybe she was forgotten during one of those sleepless nights full of late-night feedings or through that one career change. No, it must have been grad school! I left her in grad school!
Remember you!
A healthy and whole you is the foundation to a healthy and whole relationship.
1. Remember what makes you, you
- Likes and Interests
- Strengths and Talents
- Unique Characteristics
- Interesting Adventures or Stories
2. Many parts make the whole
- When focusing on self, assess who you are on all of these levels:
- Mentally
- Spiritually
- Professionally
- Emotionally
- Culturally
- Heritage
- Physically
- In Relationship to Others (Son, Mother, Spouse)
3. Make time for what makes you, you
- Apply what makes you, you by making a bit of time for them. Remember to include self-care that encompasses the different levels of identity as listed above.
- This can look like 10 minutes of enjoying your favorite flavored coffee, quiet time cuddled in your coziest blanket, maybe a weekend ski trip with a couple of spontaneous friends, continued education on a subject you find of special interest in your career, yoga, sleeping in on Saturday morning, or a baseball game.
The keys to self-care are intentionality & grace
Don’t allow self-care to be just another thing to add your to-do list. Consider self-care as something sacred. Gently create time, space, and grace to foster growth, compassion, and care for yourself. Considerate caring for self is arguably the foundation for creating healthy relationships.
A graduate of Evangelical Seminary’s accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program and recipient of Rev. and Mrs. Alfred J. Corby Award for academic excellence exemplary competency in marriage and family therapy, Bethanie is a pre-licensed professional who desires to see reconciliation and health in relationships.