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Inspiration
for creating the life, love & relationships you desire…
“Self-care is not selfish. You can’t pour from an empty cup.” ~Norm Kelly
READ FOR FREE with KindleUnlimited; or $2.99/ebook
Empower your journey to becoming your greatest version with a radical self-care practice. In actuality, it is simply a matter of prioritizing our well-being.
This book invites you to explore the ways that self-knowledge and compassionate self-care help set you on the path of personal transformation as you elevate self-confidence, embrace your abilities and experience self-love!
Click on book photo to be taken to Amazon for a free preview. $2.99 ebook to read on any device.
BLOG #10
LivingLoveGuidance.com
“Pooh, what’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said”, asked Piglet? “Help.” said Pooh.”
CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER
We recognize that the role of caregiver as one of compassion and immense responsibility. We also acknowledge the mental, physical, and financial tolls that place an individual at higher risk for Caregiver Stress Syndrome, also known as “burnout.”
Data shows that all too often people push their own feelings and personal needs aside in order to give full attention to their charge. Statistics collected by the government Center for Disease Control (CDC) indicate one in four persons are caregivers, paid or unpaid, and over half say that a decline in their health compromises their ability to provide care. While over 36% report getting insufficient sleep, it’s no wonder physical and mental challenges arise and Caregiver Stress Syndrome is extremely common. Despite the great sense of reward you may feel, to continue being a good caregiver, you need to be mindful of your own needs, and although this may seem ironic, it supports the adage that ‘self care is not selfish, because you can’t pour from an empty cup’.
One way to avoid burnout is to have consistent breaks from those responsibilities. This is called respite. Short breaks can be a key part of maintaining your own health. Research shows that even a few hours of respite a week can improve a caregiver’s well-being. Respite care may be provided by family, friends, a nonprofit group, or government agency. Some of these services may be free or low-cost. Additionally, sharing the work load with another, joining a dedicated support group or individual counseling will offer support.
The Bottom line If left unaddressed, burnout can have harmful effects for both the caregiver and the patient under their care, should they become impatient or even argumentative, or lead to more serious levels of anxiety or depression. In addition may lead to a lowered immune system putting both at risk for illness or adverse health outcomes.
It is most important to understand that your own physical and emotional health needs are connected—AND you must tend to both first and foremost before you can manage the demands of care giving. Therefore, the best way to avoid burnout is to get practical and emotional support.
We know that this may be difficult to separate because you feel you must keep up with your care giving responsibilities and obligations—but you’re only human. You will both benefit when getting validation of your feelings, emotional support, professional help, and periodic relief from your responsibilities.
RESOURCES and SUPPORT
Caregiving Resource Center
https://www.caring.com/caregivers/
Center for Disease Control & Caregiving https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/index.htm
Public Health Center of Excellence on
Dementia Caregiving https://bolddementiacaregiving.org/
Family Caregiver Alliance https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/support-groups/
Warmline.org A warm line is a confidential, free phone service offering mental health support, not intended for emergency situations. Visit site to look up phone number by state.
EMPOWER YOUR JOURNEY WITH SELFCARE: NEW E-BOOK! Amazon Kindle 42pg. eBook $2.99 (DETAILS BELOW)
BLOG #1 TIPS TO BOOST SELF-ESTEEM
BLOG #2 SELF LOVE IS NOT SELFISH
BLOG #3 LIVING LOVE WITH GRATITUDE
BLOG #4 COMPASSION & SELF-ESTEEM
BLOG #5 WISDOM OF THE HEART
BLOG #6 CHOOSE GRATITUDE
BLOG #7 10 DIY SELF-CARE TIPS
BLOG #8 JOURNALING FOR SUCCESS
BLOG #9 MEANING OF COMMUNITY
BLOG #10 CARE FOR THE CAREGIVER
UPCOMING BLOGS…
BLOG #11 EMPOWERING RESOURCES
BLOG #12 VALUE OF SELF-WORTH
BLOG #13 ASSERTIVENESS v. AGGRESIVENESS
BLOG #14 FEAR OF BEING VULNERABLE
BLOG #15 FREEDOM OF FORGIVENESS
BLOG #16 ‘REALITY v. ILLUSION’
BLOG #17 NAVIGATE LIFE WITH HEART
BLOG #18 JUDGMENT v. DISCERNMENT
BLOG #19 YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK
BLOG #20 BALANCING THE HEART/MIND
BLOG#9
Community is a concept that has been a fundamental part of human existence. It embodies a sense of togetherness, shared values, and mutual support. Sometimes we may think of community as a physical location, a group of people with common interests, or something deeper and more profound. Let’s explore its multifaceted meanings and significance in our lives.
The literal meaning of ‘community’ is a group of individuals who come together based on shared interests, values, goals or geographic proxmimity. However, the true essence of community goes beyond these definitions. This is so based on four key elements.
Connection: Community creates connection. It provides a platform for people to interact, engage in conversations and build relationships. These can be social, emotional, or spiritual, but this shared experience always creates a feeling of belonging.
Support: Communities serve as support systems in times of need. Whether it’s emotional, practical assistance with basic needs, or a network of professionals aiding each other’s careers, communities connect and elevate.
“Living in a world that can often feel isolating, the meaning of community reminds us of the impact of coming together in the spirit of unity that transcends boundaries.”
The Meaning of Community
Identity: Being part of a community contributes to a person’s sense of identity. It shapes who we are, how we perceive ourselves, and even how we relate to others. Whether cultural, religious or interest-based groups, our communities play a significant role in shaping our identity.
Purpose: Communities often revolve around shared purposes and goals. They provide a platform for individuals to mobilize for collective action or contribute to the greater good, be it a charity or a neighborhood intitiative. These opportunities for learning, personal development or gaining new perspectives, offer a shared purpose that can bring a sense of connection and fulfillment.
As a source of connection, support, identity and purpose communities play an important role in enhancing the quality of our lives. Living in a world that can often feel isolating and challenging, the meaning of community reminds us of the impact of coming together in the spirit of unity that transcends boundaries.
BLOG #8
Many people are discovering an array of benefits through their Journaling practice—from easing stress to sparking self-discovery. We will explore how journaling can be a pathway for success in not just one, but in many areas of life.
Some say journaling is mindfulness in motion as it can bring fleeting thoughts into focus to be considered more fully. Here are some wide-ranging benefits of putting pen to paper along with hints on how to start—and sustain— this helpful habit.
1. Reduce stress
Journaling can be a great pressure releasing valve when we feel overwhelmed or simply have a lot going on internally. You might try writing three things you’re grateful for; writing the ‘story of your life’ in six words; writing three wishes you have. To help process difficult feelings you might choose to write how you see those challenges and details about how this seems to currently be affecting you.
2. Boost a sense of well-being
Studies suggest that writing about your deepest thoughts and feelings may contribute to improved mood and greater feelings of well-being.
In particular, a study published by Healthline found that writing down positive experiences, including feelings of gratitude, for at least 12 weeks was linked to reduced feelings of depression and anxiety.
3. Gain space from negative thoughts
When worries or negative thoughts arise, it’s easy to get caught up in possible ‘worst case’ scenarios. Jotting these down, however, creates space and distance to consider them in a more objective way. Journaling helps us to see our thoughts as separate from us.
To further underscore this separation between your thoughts and who you are, try switching out a phrase like: “I’m having the thought that I am unworthy, a failure...” as opposed to thinking of yourself as unworthy, a failure, etc. Here we identify any self judgments which are not helpful in elevating our lives.
4. Process challenging emotions
Often people move throughout their days either not noticing their emotions, or actively pushing them away. But emotions have a way of popping back up and affecting your actions.
In the words of Eckhart Tolle: “What we resist, persists.”
Journaling is an opportunity to process emotions in a safe, contained space. By naming the specific emotions you’re experiencing and accepting them, difficult emotions become less overwhelming and easier to manage. This refers back to and underscores the previous points in #3 on recognizing that our thoughts are not who we are, but rather what we think.
JOURNALING FOR SUCCESS
5. Deepen self-discovery
Journaling can help discover a different piece or existing pattern every single day. It provides a much-needed pause to help us reconnect to ourselves and rediscover who we are. When we write, we learn our preferences, fears, favorites and dreams.
As humans we are constantly evolving. Journaling helps us listen and bear witness to these changes, and simply get to know ourselves a whole lot better. It offers an opportunity to truly follow your heart’s desires towards total success. It’s all about the Path.
To get perspectives about how best to proceed whether it relates to business or personal, writing down thoughts can be a great way to get clarity. The addition of a simple list of pros and cons can provide more insight into your desires than an emotional response without the inquiry—could ever do.
Begin a sustainable habit
Making large sweeping change can feel unsafe, causing us to give up. Since micro-steps are less likely to be rejected, you might try a timed session for just one or two minutes a day. Using a special notebook set aside for Journaling can help jumpstart your experience. I designed the 80-page Journal, “Cultivating the Mind of Love”, as shown below in the picture, that is available here. Other viable methods include typing in a blank doc on your laptop or note-taking apps on your phone.
Begin by taking several deep breaths at first, while noticing your immediate surroundings. Then write whatever comes to mind. Resist the temptation to censor or edit by writing as fast as possible, in a ‘free flow’ manner.
If you like structure, journal at the same time every day. You can also anchor your journaling to a well-established habit to make it more likely you’ll stick with it. For example, before or after a nightly prayer; awaiting morning tea or coffee, or before a meal prep.
The bottom line
Journaling has a range of benefits, while allowing for a totally flexible personal schedule. Just writing even a few minutes a day may helpreduce stress, boost your well-being, and provide a concrete method for more self-discovery and better identifying our needs. The only requirement is your desire for (more) success—in any or all areas of your life.
“EMPOWER YOUR JOURNEY
---one entry at a time”
is an 80-page lined journal at
the Live.Love.ShopMore Blogs continue below…
BLOG #1
TIPS TO BOOST SELF ESTEEM
1. Be kind to yourself. Words you say to yourself are way more powerful than you might think. Make an effort to challenge any negative thoughts. A good rule of thumb is to speak to yourself in the same way that you’d speak to others.
Try: Writing down three things that you like about yourself.
2. Accept who you are. Try to focus on your goals and achievements, rather than measuring them against someone else’s.
Try: Writing down 3 things that you want to improve about yourself.
3. Get moving and stay active. Exercise is a great way to increase motivation, practice setting goals and build confidence. Breaking a sweat also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones.
Try: One way to become active in your daily routine.
4. Welcome mistakes as part of growth. Always strive to be the best version of yourself, while remembering to accept that perfection is an unrealistic goal.
Try: Writing down what you learned from a recent ‘mistake’.
5. Remember to forgive yourself often. Focus on the wisdom and growth that comes from life lessons. Everyone’s been there.
Try: Reflect daily on the wisdom gained from any life lessons
6. Surround yourself with supportive people. Find people who encourage you and make you feel good about yourself.
Try: Spend more time around people with a positive outlook.
7. Focus on what you can change. It’s easy to get hung up on all the things that are out of your control, but it won’t achieve much. Instead, try to focus your energy on identifying the things that are within your control and seeing what you can do about them.
Try: Write down ways to change something you're unhappy with
8. Do what makes you happy. If you spend time doing the things you enjoy, you’re more likely to think positively. Try to schedule in a little ‘you-time’ every day.
Try: Do at least one activity a day that makes you feel happy
9. Celebrate the small stuff. Celebrating the small victories is a great way to build self-confidence and start feeling better about yourself.
Try: Write 3 (or more) things you did well at end of each day.
10. Be a friend to someone. Being helpful and considerate to other people will certainly boost their mood, but it’ll also make you feel pretty good. Some say ‘Giving is Receiving’.
Try: Practice something daily to be helpful towards another.
The ‘Purr-fect’ T is available now. (Click on picture for link)
BLOG #2
“You can’t pour from an empty cup”
Be patient with yourself. Knowing that you are a work in progress is a state of awareness that shows self-respect and acceptance that however you are right now is perfectly okay. “Something will grow from all you're going through—and it will be you.”
Recognizing fear-based or negative thought patterns, no matter how engrained they may seem, is the first step in overcoming these obstacles to inner peace. The sacred journey to our heart space can uncover limiting beliefs, which may be holding us back from living authentically and reaching our highest potential.
Along with the ability to overcome challenges and manifest our desires, we create a role model for children who may be struggling with self-image.
Self-care isn't a one-time event, but a continuous journey towards a healthier and happier you. By incorporating self-care tips into your daily routine, you may reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve your overall well-being. Never hesitate to reach out for medical advice if you struggle with your mental health. Remember, seeking professional help is a sign of strength.
Among the many tools and techniques available to support your sacred inner journey are guided meditations and daily affirmations.
Try affirming: “I’m worthy of the same love I offer the world. I can best be of service to others, when I pour from a full cup.
This is not selfish, but rather
an extension of love.”
Here is a daily reminder
for you. A mug from
the Live.Love.Shop.
Journaling our thoughts is another way to honor our feelings and gain insight to our behaviors. Refer to BLOG#8 “Journaling for Success” for many more tips on starting and sustaining a journaling practice. Here is a link to the 80-page notebook I designed to help jumpstart a Journal practice.
SELF LOVE IS NOT SELFISH
BLOG #3
LIVING LOVE WITH GRATITUDE
Gratitude means appreciating the good things in your life, no matter how big or small. Making the practice of gratitude a regular part of your day can build happiness, self-esteem, and provide other health benefits.
The Universal Gratitude Symbol
is a simple spiral with
3 dots below; near
what resembles a hook,
recognized as a Makau —
significant in Hawaiian cultures.
There are many activities that can jumpstart your gratitude practice. Among them are journaling, taking a mindfulness walk, and grateful contemplation, each described below.
Although these exercises are simple to learn and practice, the challenge comes from consistency. Spend time considering each exercise and establish a schedule or routine for your daily gratitude practice. Choose a time you feel you is not only convenient, but offers the quiet and solitude that allows focus on this one special activity.
GRATITUDE JOURNAL Every evening, spend a few minutes writing down some good things about your day. This isn’t limited to major events. You might be grateful for simple things, such as a good meal, talking to a friend, or overcoming an obstacle. “Cultivating the Loving Mind” 80-pg Journal can help.
MINDFULNESS WALK Go for a walk and make a special effort to appreciate your surroundings. You can do this by focusing on each of your senses, one at a time. Spend a minute just listening, a minute looking at your surroundings, and so on. Try to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations you would usually miss, such as a cool breeze on your skin, or the clouds in the sky.
GRATEFUL CONTEMPLATION Remove yourself from distractions such as phones or TV and spend 5-10 minutes mentally reviewing the good things from your day. The key to this technique is consistency. Think of it like brushing your teeth or exercise—it should be a normal part of daily self-care. This technique can be practiced as part of prayer, meditation, or through writing in a dedicated notebook. The 80-pg journal book I designed for this purpose can be found here.
Tip: Consistent and thoughtful practice is important for gratitude exercises to be effective. The purpose of each activity is to reflect on feelings of gratitude for several minutes every day.
CLICK for more resources
BLOG #4
“The sky’s the limit”… if you believe it is
“It’s hopeless” … only if you think it is
The highly desirable state of feeling truly good about ourselves usually comes with building confidence and self-esteem—which is how we perceive ourselves—based on our opinions & beliefs. For many of us, accepting the notion of our innate worthiness has been challenging.
For many, telling yourself to ‘work harder, get stronger, and develop grit’ are automatic. However, choosing these are more likely to be met with ‘resistance’ and are therefore unsuccessful and self-defeating.
A more effective method toward increasing confidence is self-compassion--showing yourself kindness when you’re struggling or noticing something you don’t love about yourself.
Self-compassion isn’t about measuring up to expectations; it’s a way of relating to yourself. By caring and expressing self concern during hard times, you’re able to persevere and create changes. It’s what you believe about yourself that matters, not anything outside of you. That is why it’s important to be vigilant about self-talk.
When you become aware of an inner criticism rising up, stop and reconsider. Challenge it. If you must judge, judge the behavior, not the person. Why label yourself as failing, or less than, when you are looking at an undesirable behavior. Behaviors can always be changed through your desire and diligence.
An example of a compassionate assessment might be, ‘I’m going to try because I care about myself and I don’t want to suffer.’ Or ‘I know I can do this, whether by myself or with help’. That kind of motivation leads to positive results which increases self-esteem.
When you think through what you might need to achieve your goal—like waking up earlier for exercise, or scheduling them on your phone calendar—rather than reviewing all the ways you’re failing, you’ll overcome challenges and build confidence as you go. It’s a subtle change in reaction that makes a huge difference.
Affirm: “I take active steps within my power to change the habit of self-defeating behavior.”
Practice Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk is being able to recognize and acknowledge the negative self-talk. May seem obvious, but without this in the forefront of your mind, bad habits like this go on autopilot and continue to fly under the radar.
Try: to focus on the mistakes or flaws that have been bothering you lately, then find where the emotions about them tend to end up in your body, such as a tightness in your jaw or tension in your shoulders. Allow those feelings to sit in your body instead of resisting or rejecting them. This lets you get in touch with the suffering caused by your criticisms or the belief that you have to be perfect. Knowledge is power and the truth (of your being) will set you free.
“What we resist, persists”
~ Eckhart Tolle
Replace the Word, ‘Should’
Ever find yourself “shoulding” over past actions?
For example: Ugh, I should have done this sooner.
It’s a common form of self-criticism that can be recognized and replaced with anything that fosters curiosity like: I wonder what held me back most this week?
Curiosity is kinder and more productive than “shoulding”. Are you willing to recognize your innate worthiness and feel really good about yourself, all the time?
Willingness to choose again is all it takes.
CLICK for more resources
COMPASSION & SELF-ESTEEM
BLOG #5
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” ~Helen Keller
From a biological perspective, the heart and brain never stop communicating emotion-based signals.
The heart is an emotionally intelligent organ. When you feel joy, appreciation, compassion, gratitude, love, peace – you are in a balanced coherent state of mind and being.
This balance creates a sense of connection to everything around you; a greater sense of empathy and compassion, and more love for others and for self.
In decision making, the brain considers many different things – including issues of fear, judgment, peer pressure and self-perception. We often make mind-based decisions that we later regret. For example, how often do you think: “I knew it wasn’t a good idea” or “I knew I should have done something else”.
Have you noticed, though when you ask your heart, it responds quickly and knowingly?
Your heart is the essence of your being, a reservoir of joy, love and infinite compassion that lies within you.
However, this balance is disrupted when you cultivate negative emotions like anxiety and fear as can be generated by the brain’s processing of events.
Heart Connection Techniques
A necessary step to opening up to heart wisdom is to give our rational minds a well-deserved rest.
Techniques to create this calm mind include meditation and breath work. These can help dissolve walls built up around our heart and open us up to a life of unconditional love and infinite compassion.
Heart Focus Breathing leads you naturally into a state of ease.
Begin by bringing your attention to your heart by placing your hand directly over it. Breathing in, a little slower and deeper than normal, for about 6 seconds, and exhaling out slowly for 6 or 7 seconds.
Before long you will notice this state of Coherence--when the heart, mind and emotions are in energetic alignment--will create peace and balance within all our connections.
Video Inspiration link opens up to my Youtube Channel
WISDOM OF THE HEART
Gratitude means appreciating the good things in your life, no matter how big or small. Choosing to make the practice of gratitude a regular part of your day can build happiness and self-esteem. I have chosen to begin my days acknowledging the people, places, and things I’m grateful for.
This is where choice comes into play. I personally try to be aware of any grievances I feel arising in me, and use that awareness as a reminder to switch over to feelings of gratitude for what is.
You may want to establish a schedule or routine for your daily gratitude practice, at a time that offers the quiet and solitude that allows focus on your special activity. Perhaps one of the following ideas can help jumpstart your gratitude practice.
Although these exercises are simple to learn and practice, but the challenge comes from consistency.
GRATITUDE JOURNAL Every evening, spend a few minutes writing down some good things about your day. This isn’t limited to major events. You might be grateful for simple things, such as a good meal, talking to a friend, or overcoming an obstacle. A dedicated notebook for just these entries can help jumpstart this practice.
MINDFULNESS WALK Go for a walk and make a special effort to appreciate your surroundings. You can do this by focusing on each of your senses, one at a time. Spend a minute just listening, a minute looking at your surroundings, and so on. Try to notice the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations you would usually miss, such as a cool breeze on your skin, or the clouds in the sky.
GRATEFUL CONTEMPLATION Remove yourself from distractions such as phones or TV and spend 5-10 minutes mentally reviewing the good things from your day. The key to this technique is consistency. Think of it like brushing your teeth or exercise—it should be a normal part of daily self-care. This technique can be practiced as part of prayer, meditation, or on its own.
Tip: Consistent and thoughtful practice is important for gratitude exercises to be effective. The purpose of each activity is to reflect on feelings of gratitude for several minutes every day.
CLICK for more resources
CHOOSE GRATITUDE
BLOG #6
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's crucial though to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; self-care is a necessary practice that rejuvenates your mind, body and spirit. In this blog, we explore some simple, but essential, tips that can help you lead a happier, even healthier life.
1. Prioritize Sleep:
Adequate sleep is the foundation of good health and well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to recharge your body and mind.
Create a bedtime routine that relaxes you, such as reading a book or practicing meditation.
2. Nourish Your Body:
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water; avoiding caffeine or alcohol.
3. Exercise Regularly:
Physical activity not only keeps your body fit but also releases endorphins that boost your mood.
Find an exercise routine you enjoy, whether it's dancing, hiking, yoga, or simply a walk.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation:
Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress
Deep breathing exercises can be particularly effective in calming the mind. One simple method is one by Dr. Andrew Weil called,
Dr. Weil’s 4-7-8 breathing technique. (link opens to my Youtube Playlist.)
5. Set Boundaries:
Learn to say "no" when necessary to avoid overcommitting yourself.
Establish clear boundaries in your personal and professional life to protect your time and energy.
6. Unplug and Disconnect:
Limit screen time, especially before bedtime, to improve sleep quality.
Take breaks from social media and technology to reduce stress and anxiety.
7. Pamper Yourself:
Treat yourself to self-care rituals, such as a relaxing bath, a spa day, or a favorite hobby.
Make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
8. Connect with Loved Ones:
Nurture your relationships with friends and family.
Spend quality time with loved ones, whether it's a phone call, a dinner date, or a trip.
9. Practice Gratitude:
Cultivate a gratitude journal where you jot down things you're thankful for each day.
Focusing on the positive aspects of life can improve your overall well-being.
10. Get Adequate Rest:
Take short breaks during the day to recharge.
Plan vacations or stay-cations to relax and rejuvenate.
Self-care isn't a one-time event, but a continuous journey towards a healthier and happier you. By incorporating self-care tips into your daily routine, you may reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve your overall well-being. Never hesitate to reach out for medical advice if you struggle with your mental health; seeking professional help is a sign of strength.
Remember, self-care is a personal journey, so tailor these tips to fit your preferences. Prioritizing self-care is a gift you give yourself, that allows you to show up as your best version in all aspects of your life. Take care of yourself first because “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Here is a short empowering video on my Youtube Channel for your self-care journey. The daily reminder mug can be found at the Live Love Shop by clicking on the picture.
BLOG #7
10 ‘DIY’ SELF-CARE TIPS
Just as a living plant thrives with sun, water, food and tender care, our soul’s growth is nurtured in many ways...
next up….
BLOG #11
