Let’s Talk—Self-Care and the Beauty of Connection

Last month was a whirlwind for me. I have enjoyed every moment, from publishing and promoting my book to launching my website and business. There have been many sleepless nights, some not-so-good days, tears, anxiety, nervousness, and tons of excitement for this new chapter of my life. This leads me to my next topic: How do we find peace and balance when our world gets chaotic? Your answer to this question may look different than mine, but I hope we all have some outlet or ways to express ourselves creatively.

I know self-care has become this hot buzzword that we all throw around in our daily conversations. But let's break it down and define it. Many of us have been practicing self-care before we knew what to call it. Self-care is an activity or a healthy outlet you use to create balance and centeredness. It's an act of self-love and an intentional way to care for your emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health, contributing to your overall well-being. It's our time to perform a check-in and get in tune with our inner thoughts.

I didn't even know my inner voice for a long time, and it took a few years for me to discover it. I had to seek independence and understand the joy of solitude. Yes, the joy of solitude. I know this may sound contradictory to everything I'm discussing, but solitude doesn't have to be cold and lonely. The more you take time to get to know who you truly are, the better your life will be. Know your likes and dislikes, identify your strengths and weaknesses, discover the things that bring you immense joy, set goals, and be intentional with your time. Realize that time cannot be bought; instead, it's the currency we are allotted each day at the same 24-hour rate.

My question to you is: How will you spend that time? Once you prioritize what's important to you and honor those things, you'll find a solace that can't be compromised.

I would be remiss if I didn't discuss the importance of nurturing our relationships, which fosters connection, something we all need to survive. So, let's take the self out of self-care for a moment. As humans, we were never meant to do life alone or isolated. It is our innate ability to connect with others that helps us thrive.

Nurture healthy relationships and recognize your ability to lean into relationships as often as needed. This is one of the many insightful concepts I learned from reading The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips. Not only does this book take a deep dive into understanding our emotions, but it was so refreshing to read about embracing our emotions to make better-informed decisions. When you feel down or sad, don't just sit and let those feelings linger. Schedule an appointment to speak with your therapist or phone a trusted friend to express your feelings. This could also look like telling your partner you don't want to be alone or need a hug. The more you communicate what you need in a healthy way, the better your trusted circle will be able to reciprocate the love you need at that moment.

I'll be the first to admit I have let pride and shame get the best of me when it comes to expressing my needs, and as a result, I suffered in silence, which caused me pain and depression. Please don't make this mistake. Swallow your pride and release your shame. Don't be afraid to communicate when you feel off balance. Use the amazing support system God has placed around you to regain your strength and shift life back into perspective.

Nurture your relationships and value the power of connectedness.

Here's a list of some of my favorite self-care activities: prayer, yoga, meditation, taking a bubble bath, lighting a candle, using my diffuser with essential oils, therapy, reciting affirmations, reading, journaling, eating clean, and going for a run at the park, to name a few. Being in nature is the closest form of peace for me. It's the quietness where I feel God's presence and hear His voice intensely. It is where I feel grounded. I love being near water and hearing the ocean. I go to Galveston or Surfside Beach to reset once every two months or when I feel my body needs it. There, I find peace and clarity.

I hope you'll develop your own self-care routine, and feel free to share your ideas with me! No matter what you feel about yourself right now, know you are loved, valued, and supported. Taking time for yourself is not selfish but one of the greatest ways to honor the temple God entrusted you with. Keep loving yourself, be kind and gentle with yourself, and, most importantly, keep peace in your heart.

With love and gratitude,