I’ve been speaking to my daughter a lot recently about the importance of self care. And I’m not talking about bubble baths and meditation, I’m talking about some pretty basic things like making sure she drinks her water, has her lunch, goes to sleep at a reasonable time so she’s able to get enough sleep, etc etc. Because when she’s tired, dehydrated or her blood sugar is low, everything sucks, her teacher’s awful, school is boring and she looses her shit.
I’m trying to teach her that yes, all those things may be true, but when she isn’t looking after herself, it becomes really hard to respond to life appropriately. And looking after herself is HER responsibility (well, it’s still mine but it’s naturally shifting to her as she gets older and her capacity increases). No one can drink her water or eat her lunch. She has to do it. Those things help her be her best self. They are foundational.
But then yesterday, while I contemplated if I had time for lunch (!) it hit me… what am I modelling for her? Does she see me take the best care of myself that I can? Ummmm, no.
Look, I’m not too bad (depending on the day). But what I see in so many of my beautiful clients is the resistance to putting themselves and their health first. We have sooooo many excuses about why we can’t.
It’s too expensive.
I don’t have enough time.
It’s too hard.
I’ve tried everything, nothing works.
I should be able to do this on my own.
I kinda want to call bulls*%t on all of those.
Hear me out. While all these things can feel real and valid, when something happens to your health you realise that it is the foundation for EVERYTHING! And then we make it happen!
Yes, support can feel expensive, but when I see clients, I want them to get to the point where they don’t need regular appointments (I know, bad business model isn’t it!). And I can tell you now, seeing someone with expertise in your issue is usually a LOT cheaper in the long run than trying all the things from the social media ads or health food stores.
Time is a big one too and I get it. I’m a solo parent. It really can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day! But I’ve gradually developed ways over the years to maximise my time.
For example, it can be possible to kill two birds with one stone a lot of the time. I like to catch up with a friend while we walk or hike. Exercise, tick! Social connection, tick!
And watch out for phone use. Check your report to see how much time you are spending on your phone. It might shock you (it shocks the hell out of me sometimes!).
All our excuses can have solutions if we want. I just wanted to take a moment to point this out because I want you to have the health and well-being you deserve. Get the support. Find the time. Know that this is a life long journey and there are answers out there for you.
I believe in you.