Set Yourself Straight with Self-Care
This week, I wanted to ask one simple question: How well are you taking care of yourself? And I mean that on all levels — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
My guess is there are some areas where you are pretty good at it; other areas that could use some attention; and some where you think you are OK but may be in a little denial or have a blind spot about because you have become so accustomed to existing in a particular way that you don’t even realize it’s unhealthy or imbalanced.
That last one’s a tricky sucker, no doubt, and when you finally realize how “off” you’ve been, it can be enlightening and even liberating. But implementing the necessary corrections or improvements can feel monumental, requiring discipline and conscious choices to be made, often painstakingly, over time. Yet when you are able to see everything as an act of self-love and self-care, it takes some of the edge off the very uncomfortable actions of doing what you know is right for yourself but might be difficult in the moment.
The fact is that we are each responsible for our own lives, happiness and well-being, so the more we rely on external forces like our spouses/partners, friends, parents, doctors, pastors/rabbis, the government, etc. (or the projections of any of those onto each other!), the more frustrated, anxious and/or disappointed we become. We must remember that we have the power to change our lives for the better (which includes asking for help when we need it), and in doing so, we will suffer less, achieve more, and everyone around us will ultimately benefit.
These extraordinary and challenging times have likely highlighted some of these issues for you, so in addition to this week’s related PGG, I’ll be offering a Zoom talk called Self-Care in the Midst of Sea Change (two dates: Aug. 12 and Aug. 24) about how you can make the most of the current circumstances with new perspectives, tips and tools to take care of yourself on all levels. Click here for info and registration and please share with anyone you think might benefit.
Remember everyone is fighting their own battle and are at different levels of self-care, so be extra gentle and compassionate with yourself and others!
P.S. Need a some extra support to help navigate your career and life at this time? For info about working with me check out the website for my individual coaching services. Click here for info about group coaching and my annual anniversary sale now through Aug. 31 — if you’ve been wanting to work with me one-on-one, this is my lowest rate.
And in case you missed these, you can read my essays here on Medium that specifically address the current crisis: Quality Control: How to make the best of these times of quarantine and questioning, How to cope with (and benefit from) what you can’t see during the time of corona, United We Stand and Anatomy of Awareness. You can also check out The Pain of Being, which talks about the George Floyd/BLM protests.
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Kristina Leonardi is a nationally recognized career and life coach, speaker and author who for over 12 years has empowered individuals to make lasting professional and personal changes aligned with their true passions and talents while fulfilling their role in the world at large. With a holistic and personal growth-oriented approach, she has helped hundreds of men and women over the past decade improve their job performance, enter or re-enter the job force, change careers, better manage their time and stress, and live happier, more meaningful, balanced lives. Her specialty is working with people who feel stuck or are in transition and can help you clarify exactly what you want to do, identify blocks, issues, and patterns in your way, and offer proven ideas, resources, and action steps to get you there.
Click here for info about Kristina’s coaching and speaking services
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