I have done a lot of writing and speaking about self-care over the last few years. As a coach who focuses on leadership and personal transformation, self-care is a frequent theme. I serve (mostly) women, who are power houses in their organizational and home lives, but often feel too spent for self-care. I find myself working hard trying to get these wonderful people to find 15 or 45 minutes for self-care. One of the reasons that I wrote Navigating Through the Storm was to chronicle the advice and wisdom I have received and dispensed over the years. It is full of options and strategies based life style, time availability and preference.
I have seen many people find a pathway to better self-care in group settings like yoga, running groups and boot camps. I think these are fantastic because they foster community, accountability and support. We all need these things. I just recently joined a mastermind group for entrepreneurs. Although it’s primary focus is on building businesses that help serve our communities, we spend a lot of time tuning in and caring for each other. I feel a responsibility to improve my self-care and to be authentic so I can be a good group member.
“Many women are feeling isolated and on guard.”
I have met and worked many women who feel isolated and unable to truly let their guards down. This is an unfortunate byproduct of modern organizational work and the go-go nature of our lives. In addition to feeling isolated, there is often a quiet unrest that they don’t feel comfortable sharing. I know that this uneasy feeling is natural and often signals a desire for a shift. The conundrum is that a packed personal and professional scheduled does not afford much time for self-refection or self-care.
A Retreat might be what you need
If this feels like you right now, I recommend that you check out my friend Kelsey’s Inner Circle Retreats.
Kelsey is a therapist who curates personalized retreats for women like you who are looking for a boost in their self-care, self-reflection and inner healing. What I love about Kelsey’s approach she customizes the retreats based on needs, budget and preference. She facilitates flexible retreats that may involve art therapy, yoga, hot spring treatments, massages to name a few all in a restorative atmosphere of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Additionally, the retreats include lodging and a personal chef that cooks healthy food (breakfast and lunch) designed to help you slow down and to be more mindful.
Feeling worthy of self-care is a key to consistency
I know for me, when I was in grips of my own burnout, it took a skilled therapist to help me to unravel my own anxiety and to grant me permission to slow down and care for myself. As a result, I was a more present father and manager. If you are feeling like you need something more than a warm bath and glass of red wine, I highly recommend you check-out what Kelsey can do.
For those of you who can easily afford the cost but are immediately arguing with yourself about finding the time and feeling like you can’t move off the starting blocks, I encourage you to read this blog about self-care and self-esteem. It really helped me to come to grips with my own guilt for not being consistent and to understand my patterns pattern.
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