I’m very proud to say that I am not the same person I was four years ago. That’s how much time has passed since I made the decision to start prioritizing my needs over other people’s. In the past, I often sacrificed my own happiness to make others happy. Despite all my efforts, I was never happy. I felt stressed, used, and undervalued. It took a life changing event where I found myself abandoned and alone to finally realize that I only have one life and it’s up to me to make sure I live it on my own terms.
What it means to live with intention
To me, living with intention means being conscious and deliberate about how I spend my time and energy. It also means prioritizing activities that align with my values, goals, and personal growth. It’s about creating a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my daily life and making choices that contribute to my overall well-being. More importantly it’s making sure I take care of my needs.
I often hear people talk about taking care of themselves; but I find not many know how to go about doing that. They keep waking up every day and do the same things that are expected of them, like going to work, making sure the bills are paid on time, taking care of their family and friends, ensuring that everyone is happy… but inside they feel battered and unhappy. They are so busy making sure everyone around them is ok that they forget about themselves completely. They are stuck and can’t seem to find a way to make time to practice that self care they so desperately want and need.
Self-care is not selfish
I love this saying. I often refer to it whenever I start to feel guilty for putting myself first. Simply put, it means focusing on what matters to you the most and restoring the energy that you freely and selflessly spent on others. There’s nothing selfish about taking care of yourself—physically, emotionally, and mentally—through the prioritization of activities that recharge and nourish you.
Physically – It’s important to listen to your body’s needs and give it the rest, exercise and nourishment it requires.
Emotionally – It’s also important to prioritize emotional boundaries and take time for yourself when needed.
Mentally – It involves engaging in activities that stimulate your mind and promote good mental health.
As you can see, self-care is a vital aspect of our personal growth and happiness. By intentionally choosing to do things that align with our values and goals, we will be able to maintain a healthy balance, as well as cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment which can lead to a greater sense of meaning in our life.
To maintain overall welfare and live with intention, self-care is crucial. And having a good self-care routine is also essential. If you find yourself struggling to create a self-care routine that is right for you, my next publication titled “All About YOU—6 steps to help you create a self-care routine that is tailored to your individual preferences and needs” is a must read.
✨Live With Intent✨
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