It’s not you. It’s not them, It's the season.
At some point in your life you will probably experience a season of disconnection or loneliness. Getting older comes with different seasons in life which may impact your schedule, priorities, needs, energy, mental health and more. This ultimately affects our relationships and how they shift over time. It’s common with the changes to feel isolated, lonely, envious, or even rejected.
Turning Well-Intentioned Self Love into Intentional Self Love
The concept of self-love has wildly evolved. This phrase can be viewed as honoring your emotions, avoiding conflict, taking care of your health, putting your needs above others, treating yourself any chance you get, etc. None of these are inherently good or bad, but I want to focus on an overall balance of the concept. Webster’s Dictionary has multiple definitions for the phrase, but the one that resonates with me most is, “proper regard for, and attention to, one's well-being.” To truly focus on true, overall well-being, will require discomfort at times, and possibly making shifts in various areas. Now, let’s dig into what this looks like and how self-love can become a more regular and balanced practice in your life.
Living Aligned With Your Values
The power of being aware of your true values that are genuinely your own, means you can change behaviors that currently don’t serve you or others well and you can create a lifestyle of intentionality, authenticity, freedom, and confidence.
4 Ways to Combat Negative Body Image
97% of women have at least one negative thought about their body daily, and 80% or more are dissatisfied with their physical appearance or struggle with body image. Sadly, these statistics are not exactly surprising, as we have learned to be critical, and hyper aware of our bodies. It is not always obvious the ways people communicate the value they place on physical appearance. This can be shown through compliments relating to physical appearance, negative comments when looking at a photo or in a mirror, discussing the newest diet fads, or bringing attention to the amount of or type of food someone is eating.
Navigating Blended Families
Coming from a blended family myself, I thought I would have a leg up when it came to having my own blended family. While I do believe I have unique insight due to my childhood experiences with having divorced parents and two blended families, I have come to realize navigating a blended family goes far beyond the four walls of the home. Blending a family requires intentional communication, selflessness, clear boundaries and expectations, a firm foundation, support, and empathy for all involved.
The Way You Talk to Yourself Matters
When was the last time you checked in about your relationship with yourself? How are you caring for yourself? Your relationship with yourself is the most powerful relationship you will have, and it’s worth your time and investment.