September has always brought on a sense of uncertain anticipation and mix of emotions for me. There’s a “Trap”; trying to keep up with the high-speed, say YES, pace of summer when fall is knocking and there’s a million things you still need to accomplish and people you need to see before the clock strikes twelve on the 21st and fall officially steps in. But there’s also a “Hook;” summer feels like a high-octane party and fall is like the quiet morning after, but you don’t want the party to end.
It’s a roller-coaster and a conundrum wrapped up in one that tugs and pulls you in all directions and you forget what it’s like to take time for yourself and relax. Self care goes straight out the window, and GUILT sets in.
Sound familiar?
To determine where I sat with the idea of self care, and how far down the rabbit hole I was, I needed a blueprint that would give me “Permission” to take care of my emotional well-being and put myself first for a change. A wildly unexplored concept for me.
When I looked at what self care meant to me, I realized I was pouring from an empty cup, making “Self Care” a luxury rather than a vital survival tool. With that, I decided to play around with the idea of giving myself a few challenges, and the freedom to be unapologetic.
If any of this resonates with you, I welcome you to come along for the ride.
Challenge number ONE.
THE RULE: Saying “NO” isn’t selfish; it’s how to save your best energy for the people and projects that actually matter. The fix: give yourself permission to drop one unneeded commitment during the week without apologizing and feel good about it.
Challenge number TWO.
THE SHIFT: Redefine the seasonal change from loss of fun on those long hot sunny days to an initiation of calm cozy boundaries on those cooler evenings. The fix: get out those fairy lights or candles and settle in for a spa moment with your favourite bath suds and a good book. Your time is yours alone, take it!
Challenge number THREE.
THE AUDIT: Look at the Autumn schedule like it’s a messy closet that needs re-organizing. The Fix: Flick off the urge to rush towards the holiday commitments with a slower more mindful gate. Take time to pick and choose what to keep and what to discard.
Lastly, and one which I find is probably the most overlooked and underrated.
Challenge number FOUR.
THE BURNOUT BRAIN: Rest is the most productive thing you can do without a doubt. The Fix: Step away from your phone, computer, tv binge watching and work demands and just “STOP”! Take a step outside into the quiet, take a deep intentional breath, and do absolutely nothing.
My permission slip from me to you: Stop feeling guilty about taking time for yourself. Fill your cup with things that are meaningful and important to you. You are worth it.
