ABSTRACT
Self-care requires constant attention. But this attention needs to be with a gentleness that balances being attentive and setting intentions while also not being judgmental when curve balls come your way. You need to adjust, pause, stop or reset regularly. A way to think about this is through the metaphor of self-care being a muscle. Just as a muscle in our body needs to be developed, maintained and protected, so does our self-care. For muscles, specific exercises can help us regain strength after injury. Additionally, we need to take breaks from certain movements or really slow down when recovering. Just like our muscles, self-care needs this kind of observation, care and attention.
With self-care there are various things we can do to help us develop, maintain and protect our wellbeing. In this chapter I will explore some of the blockers and barriers to self-care and explore our response to them and how we can tune back in to our sphere of control. As you refine your awareness, throughout the chapter I’ll introduce you to a set of practices and strategies for your toolbox for self-care that can connect you back to knowing who your support people are. You’ll be introduced to tools that support you to tune in to your energy and help you feel grounded and present. These are tools to help you develop your self-care muscle.
