I found Danette late last year, through Rachelle’s blog, Danette was writing a guest post & not even after reading, but when I was reading what she had written, something inside me clicked. Her words spoke to my heart & I smiled. I approached her a few months ago, to see if she’d like to do a Kind Kindred post, and when she said yes, I was so excited. It was important to me that each of you meet someone who had touched my heart, I wanted to share that with you.
One thing led to another & she’s my life coach, or she will be officially in a few weeks. Last week she gave me an assignment, after listening to me pour my heart out, words flying out of my mouth so fast. She told me to create a manifesto of self-care. That is also something I want to share with you. This is what I wrote.
The Two-Word Manifesto of Self-Care : Love Yourself
Love yourself.
When you need tender care. When you are tired & upset. When you feel uncomfortable in your skin. When you feel unlovable. When you feel alone. When you’ve had a rough day. When everything feels wrong. When the love you need can only be described as “tough love.” When you watch the sun lighten the sky. When a kitten snuggles up beside you. When you take that first sip of coffee. When you step into that wonderful hot shower. When you’re sitting on the bus, on the metro, walking to the office. When you are answering phone call after phone call, replying to e-mails without end. When your co-workers make you crazy. When you come out of a meeting that can only be labeled Victory. When you make plans with a dear friend. When you walk under the sunlight. When you stretch your arms up to reach the sky. When you wrap yourself up in blankets. When you close your eyes for the night. When you realize you’ve been blessed with 24 amazing hours. When you realize that tomorrow’s promise is limitless.
Love yourself.
Give yourself permission: to take a mental health day, not do the laundry, wash the dishes tomorrow, walk slowly & not rush from place to place or thought to thought. To breathe deeply, to watch an episode of your favorite TV show, to close the door, to take time to yourself so that you will be refreshed. To say no, to honor your boundaries, to be honest with the people around you, to say I love you, to hold the ones you love close & to say goodbye to the ones that need to leave. To begin a new chapter, or just turn the page of the chapter you’re in.
Love yourself.
