Welcome to New Beginnings’ Wellness Wednesdays. It is definitely #summertime. Let’s do what we can to beat the heat.
New Year New You New Beginnings
Anita Baker is an artist I have enjoyed for more than 30 years. I listened to her ballads as romantic overtures. You may be familiar with some of her top hits.
- You Bring Me Joy
- No One in The World
- Sweet Love
- You’re the Best Thing Yet
- Giving You the Best I’ve Got
However recently listening to those same lyrics, I realized they are about self love, empowerment and healing. As we spend time caring for others, we can easily lay our feelings, thoughts and emotions to the side. We forget to be the best that we have in our lives and bring joy to ourselves while we are constantly bringing that same joy to others. We teach others how to treat us. Perhaps I have evolved or really didn’t take the time to understand the real meaning of the music three decades ago.
If we believe that nothing happens until it is time for it to happen, my time to get the true meaning of those songs has come. I am happy to be able to share this with you. I suggest that during this weekend, you listen to some of those songs and determine if they resonate with you and take appropriate self-care actions.
It is time for us to practice more self love, gratitude and appreciation. The New Year is the perfect time to begin our New Beginning. Whether it is moving to an Anita Baker tune or one of your favorite artist. Go out — which is really going within and practice your Sweet Love because you are the best thing that is happening to YOU.
Wishing you the best 2017. Stay tuned for some great programs and new adventures with New Beginnings this year. Leave your comments and ideas.
Joy and light,
What Does Self Care Have to do with It?
What does self care look like for you? We hear about it often. We even tell each other to take care of themselves as we think about our own self care. Does a self care routine matter?
Many of us are caring for others as we care for ourselves. If we don’t take the best care of ourselves, it becomes more of a challenge to care for those we love.
We are living longer. Let’s preserve our life with the self care we deserve. Perhaps that means getting to bed a little earlier at night (without aid from television and other gadgets)
How does exercise fit into your daily schedule? Parking a little farther from stores while shopping may be an easy way to start. Getting up to stretch during commercials is almost effortless. There is most likely an exercise, dance, yoga or pilates class near you. Call and sign up.
As we venture outside to breathe in the fresh air, we become a part of the natural beauty that exists and watching nature will inevitably invite some self movement.
Our eating habits also influence our self care. Are we getting adequate fresh fruits and vegetables? Are we willing to try new vegetables or even prepare our foods differently from our normal methods? Baking, stir fry, and even some raw foods are surprisingly appealing and appetizing.
Let’s remember to include relaxation. That might be taking regularly scheduled time-outs. When is the last time you took a personal day for the most important person in your life? This is your special time for you to unwind. (read a book, meditate, take a nap, listen to music)
Self-care matters. It is essential for us to live our lives to the fullest and for us to be the best we can be for ourselves and for those that matter in our lives.
New Beginnings offers support for self care through one on one coaching, grief support (The Empty Chair) accountability partners (Stay on the Path) and more. The focus really is on you because you matter.
Is Silence Really Golden?
Are you aware that 1 out of 6 American women become the victim of attempted or completed rape? Imagine the ones who do not report these sexual abuses.
Many women feel afraid, ashamed, guilty or anger and do not reach out. What if it was a trusted family member, trusted friend, an older relative? Who would believe you?
Rape, abuse & incest have been passed down through generations resulting in post traumatic stress syndrome, 33% suicide rate, 13% attempt suicide. Remember again, these are only the reported cases.
Relationships are forever effected because of sexual assault including distress and problems at work and school. Silence is not always golden. Sometimes it overrides our sense of knowing we should tell our story and if others will listen and believe us.
I hear stories from babyboomers who were molested at an early age — fondling, inappropriate touches, reading to an older adult as he played in her pants, always getting to play the mother when boys and girls played house. There are more of these horrific stories. These stories still cause them pain. Complete healing has not occurred.
How much of their stories are they sharing with their daughters and sons? What kind of advice are they offering to handle these kinds of situations?
As we focus on our own self care, it is vital that our stories are heard. There is a community to share and restore some of the power that has been taken away for too long.
Joy and Light,
Angela