Self Care, Self Love
This a personal letter I wanted to share. It comes from a reader who’s a bit concerned about her best friend.
Dear You,
I know it’s been a while since we’ve spent some quality time together. I see you everyday, but I haven’t asked you how you’re doing. Whenever other people ask, you put on a little smile and say “Oh, I’m good” even though I know that’s not the complete truth.
You’re a hard worker and you’ve got a big heart. You go above and beyond to make sure that the laundry is done, the house is cleaned, and the family is fed. But while you’re so busy taking care of everyone else, you’re neglecting yourself.
You used to be a stunning woman. What happened? That beautiful head of hair you had is now knotted and desperately in need of deep conditioning. Your skin has been breaking out, but you barely notice. You’re letting your body go, even though you say it’s just winter weight. I can’t even remember the last time you got dolled up for the heck of it.
You’ve been sacrificing your own well-being for the sake of loved ones, friends, work… the list goes on. I know that you’re great at holding down the fort, but you are the real fortress. You are the temple. Even if no one else appreciates you, you need to appreciate yourself.
Let’s start now. First, I want you to acknowledge that you haven’t been good to yourself. I know it’s tough to admit, but you need to. Next, make a promise that you’ll do better. Write a letter to yourself apologizing for the neglect and that you’re going to do better. Then take action.
Love yourself. Create an inspiration board for all the things you want in life. Include sweet little notes like “I am beautiful” and “I am a superwoman”. Then try taking a stay-cation full of all the things you daydream about doing, but never make the effort to do. When was the last time you had a mani-pedi or got a massage? What about treating yourself to dinner and a movie with a girlfriend? And those cute shoes you’ve been drooling over but you feel guilty about buying them… why not?!
You should never feel bad about showing yourself a little TLC. I’m sorry I haven’t been the friend you need me to be, but I promise I’ll make it up to you.
With Love,
Me
That best friend I mentioned earlier is actually me. I had to write this letter to remind me of what I’ve been missing out on. I’d been forgetting to be good to myself, and I lost part of me along the way. Now I’m trying my hardest to get back to being that spunky, fearless woman I love and admire.
It’s very easy to get caught up in the small things, yes, even starting with our hair. Add to that work and life balance while acting as mom, sister, daughter, wife, lover, employee, un-employee and so forth, and before you know it, you’re the woman in this letter. With all of the things going on around you, have you been taking good care of yourself or just barely getting by? What are some of the things you do to get out of a funk?
