SelfCare is SelfLove

Hello my Faithphilled Friends!

This month is the month of LOVEEEE and even though Valentine’s Day has come and gone I want to remind you to do something for yourself! I know selfcare is the new wave but it is so much deeper than going on a shopping spree every other week. It's really a journey back to self love. Taking time to show yourself just how much you love and appreciate you! I dont think (UNPOPULAR OPINION ALERT) that going to the nail salon or getting your hair done are acts of self care. I think they are basic grooming needs. Not to say that getting your nails done is not a luxury (because as im typing this my feet are looking up at me like "GIRL! WHERE'S OUR BASIC GROOMING BUDGET THEN?"). What I mean is that, to me, self care is the act of prioritizing your body, your mind, your spirit in your entirety. It's not always doing the most lavish things for yourself. But consistently listening to the needs and wants of your body, mind and spirit and adjusting accordingly so you can consistently show up as the best version of youself. To me, selfcare is a real journey of self love. I know we have other people we have to show up for and usually (if we are their caregiver or they live in our house) we put their needs ahead of our own but that is simply an act of violence towards yourself...jk. But it is a way of telling yourself that other people hold more value to you than you do. Yall know i'm a mom and wife and usually those titles call for me to be selfless. But how can I value the most valuable people in my life if i'm struggling to find my own value. So be true to your own journey of self love and take time to prioritize caring for yourself....everyday!

Below I have listed some fun selfcare ideas.

20. Set up a zoom call with friends you haven't seen in years. Do a cooking challege (everyone buys the same ingredients or game night)

19. DIY. Make your own bathscrub, facescrub, lotion or candle.

18. Spend time outdoors. Go take a hike in the mountains, sit by a lake, find a waterfall, watch the sunset or stargaze. Behold natures beauty.

17. Buy yourself some flowers or even pick them fresh from a floral garden. Once they die, take a flower bath. Use a candles, bath bombs, epsom salt, or essential oils.

16. Go on a picnic (even though its cold outside you can create an indoor one)

15. Go on a vacation or a staycation...for my busy budgeting moms, get a babysitter for the weekend and stay in your own house.

14. Have a spa day and as you sit or lay, drink their infused water and talk positively to yourself.

13. Read a book to feed your mind. In fact go to a bookshop, read a book and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a good book in silence.

12. Take a class or try something different...ceramics, voice lessons, glassblowing, aerial yoga.

11. Spend quality time with someone that makes you laugh.

10. Take yourself on a date. Check out your citys latest art installation, go to your favorite restaurant, go see a virtual show.

9. Take a sick day (but don't tell anyone so you can have the whole day to do and activity you love uninterrupted)

8. Get Moving...run, walk, exercise, or stretch. I personally get moving by putting on full blown concerts (complete with singing, dancing, hairbrush mics, props and musical interludes) for my neighbors to appreciate through the walls.

7. Celebrate your small victories.

6. Turn your phone off at 6pm. (Hey, go crazy. Close and lock the bathroom door.)

5. Rest! Go lay down and allow time for your body to recharge.

4. Write and recite your affirmations or gratitude list

3. Understand your love language and love yourself accordingly.

2. Invest in your healing by going to therapy. Talk that trauma out of you.

1. Spend intimate time with God.

These are all really inexpensive ways to honor yourself so definitely try 1 or 2 of them! Lastly make sure you prioritize your care by setting boundaries, creating routines and checking in with yourself. Don't be afraid to say NO. Put it on your calendar and keep the appointment. Selfcare is individualized for each person...thats why it's called SELF care....care for your SELF. So make sure you check in with yourself regularly. Am I okay? Am I over committing? What do I need to cut back on? What can I do to make this better? Am I happy? I hope this was helpful but even more so I truly hope you prioritize consistently honoring yourself and all your magnificence!

Until Next Time

Faithphilly Yours,

Amanda Christine