The latest videos of self care depict someone getting their nails done, luxuriously stretching after a massage or gazing softly with their face towards the sun to elicit the feeling that the person in the video knows how to take care of themselves.
The vibe is serving: this is ‘the’ way of doing self care.
(Read: the only real way) And you should be doing this now.
And if you aren’t what is your whole life?
I could pick out the people who thought that after they booked their service appointment, their work was done.
And the pressure (cooker) was on to whomever had to facilitate their service to them to make them feel like the people in all those videos.
But, what if your present life isn’t set up to have weekly or monthly services because of time and or money, then does that mean that you can’t ‘do’ self care or not as well as those who can have services?
The people described above who only want to be noticed being fabulous and posting to social were never the people I wanted to serve as a massage therapist.
Because, I am in the healing business.
I hold space for a person’s wholeness.
If a person is not equipped to tap into what their intentions are and into what they feel then they are unaware about what it takes to explore what radical self care looks and feels like.
Radical self care is about prioritizing and nurturing one's well being on a profound level.
It involves going beyond surface level self care practices to embrace a wholistic approach to personal growth and aligning with your authenticity.
A correct mindset is essential for achieving radical self care because your thoughts influence your actions and beliefs about yourself.
This healthy mindset helps in overcoming self doubt, fostering self love, and making choices aligned with one's values and goals.
By instilling these principles, you can navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace, fostering a deeper connection to yourself and leading to a more fulfilling and purpose driven life.
If/when you are stuck in a cycle of self doubt, you are unable to see the possibilities that surround you.
It's like being in a dark room with no way out.
But here's the thing - you have the power to break free from that darkness.
Right/positive mindset requires moment to moment graceful practice.
As it is the antithesis of how and what we are conditioned to believe about our lives.
People on the outside looking into this shift in mindset as, ‘Who do you think you are?’
And your shadow self adds - to think that you can think so highly of yourself, etc. And probably worse.
It all depends on how long you have been letting it run free in your mind without changing the dialogue.
How you know if you are on the ‘right’ or incorrect path is:
Does this thought make me feel good?
Yes or No.
Even if the answer is NO. Acknowledgment and course correction is key to going in the opposite direction.
Your thoughts have a profound impact on how you perceive yourself and the world around you.
Some would say, your thinking shape shifts the world you experience. (Some is Me!)
When your mind is clouded by self doubt, your potential is limited and hinders your ability to practice radical self care.
It's not about being perfect or having it all figured out.
It's about recognizing your worth, acknowledging your strengths, and affirming your ability to care for yourself in a way that honors who you are at your core.
We all bear witness when an athlete, reaches the highest potential in their sport and they excel.
What we don’t see, yet take for granted is how they had to train their minds to thinking correctly.
This happens when they win, but especially when they ‘fail’. Every workout, every training, every injury and recovery of any sort.
Athletes understand the importance of mental toughness and resilience in achieving success.
They know that a strong mindset is just as crucial as physical strength.
Just like athletes continuously work on their mental game to enhance their performance, you too can cultivate a winning mindset through radical self care.
By nurturing your mind with positivity, self belief, and resilience, you empower yourself to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and thrive in all aspects of your life.
Elevate your mindset by borrowing inspiration from the continuous mind control of an athlete.
Have you ever found yourself lost in thoughts, replaying past mistakes or worrying about the future?
That's your "monkey mind" at work - pulling you away from the present moment and into a realm of stress and anxiety.
It believes it is keeping you safe, but in reality it robs you from living in the now.
When you are playing out scenarios, the one thing you are NOT doing for sure is being in action. Even if it is imperfect action.
Non-action increases stress and being anxiety.
By embracing the present moment and quieting your monkey mind, space is created for you to practice self care that nourish + rejuvenate your soul.
The uncertainty of the future and the chaos of the past dim in the distance when you are practicing radical self care BECAUSE you gotta be present.
You know you are doing it right, when you aren’t concerned about doing it right.
You are being gracious and this is the magick sauce of radical self care.
I suppose I should officially address the elephant in the room - that nagging voice in your head aka the shadow aka fill in the blank with your favorite name.
Self doubt is a common obstacle on the path to self love and radical self care.
It can hold you back from pursuing your dreams, trying new things, and embracing who you truly are.
But it doesn't define you.
By acknowledging your self doubt and making a plan to get into action, you can free yourself from its grip.
The key is to stay in motion.
I have been there, while mine may look different from your version - the steps are basically the same.
The message I have received over the years is that I am too much.
In the past, this has made me loose my footing (and momentum) towards a goal I set for myself.
But with radical self care practices, it reminds me who I am doing the thing for in the first place. Me!
I realized that by embracing my uniqueness, celebrating my journey, and affirming my worth,
I could silence that inner critic and step boldly into the life I deserve.
But the second the monkey mind aka my shadow catches me slipping and begins her usual rant,
I know I need to begin again.
We will all require to be at the beginning over and over again.
It is never done, and you never arrive.
The sooner you acknowledge this the better.
Now that we've addressed self-doubt and embraced a positive mindset,
it's time to talk about action.
Small steps in inspired action is the key to breaking free from the chains of self doubt and stepping into a life filled with purpose and magick.
I push myself to take leaps of faith all the time.
I must practice what I preach, but also my why is always with me.
My mother is my muse + she died with her dreams still dormant in her heart.
My life goal is to die as empty as possible.
This does not mean that action without a roadmap isn’t scary and uncertain. It IS those things.
But the alternative - being stalled in place is debilitating.
And the voice in the head is mind bending. Amirite?
I have come to know the ease of radical self care because I was the poster child for making something harder than it needed to be aka pushing the boulder up the hill.
This is the lie of hard work.
There is no trophy or extra chocolates when you get there.
Only burn out which has many faces - mine looked like extra pounds.
Radical self care for me currently looks like: weight training and cardio at 5am, 3 times a week. As my heart and body has gotten stronger, I am looking to add another day or two.
I am not doing it for the ‘gram though I leave the door open to do so someday if I am inspired to share.
You can want to, want to but until it feels like breathing, you are getting ready - to be ready.
This step is also necessary in your process.
Do not discount it, but don’t stay here either.
Remember your shadow is looking for all the opportunities to come and perch itself in the driver’s seat.
Stay curious about taking care of yourself in all ways.
Action is where the magick happens, where your dreams transform into reality, and where your self care practices become a powerful force for positive change.
Don't underestimate the power of small steps taken with intention and purpose. Each action you take brings you one step closer to the life you've always imagined, filled with fulfillment.
Remember, self care is not selfish; it's a necessity.
It's about honoring yourself, prioritizing your well being, and living authentically from a place of love and compassion.
As you continue on your self care journey, know that you have the strength, resilience, and wisdom within you to create the life you truly desire.
So, what's next for you on this journey of radical self-care and self love?
Here are a few simple steps to keep the momentum going:
1. Daily Affirmations: Start each day with positive affirmations that remind you of your worth and potential.
2. Self Care Rituals: Incorporate self care practices into your daily routine that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
3. Mindfulness Practice: Cultivate a mindfulness practice to help you stay present and grounded in the moment.
4. Community Support: Surround yourself with uplifting and supportive individuals who encourage your growth and well being.
By continuing to prioritize your self care, nurture a positive mindset, and take inspired action towards your dreams, you are setting yourself up for a life filled with abundance, joy, and fulfillment.
Fonda shares: 'When I was a massage therapist, I noticed the common thread of physical pain that people expressed. It inspired me to pull on the 'why' of pain: No matter what walk of life, the disconnect (pain) is basically the same.
People are fearful that the love (they are seeking in all areas of their lives), they aren't worthy of it.
The fact IS unless and until you accept yourself, to remember your worthiness and love yourself in plain sight - no one else's love can full you up. This is the Wholeness journey + the cycle of pain can cease.'
Fonda Clayton Smith is the founder of Wholeness Lab, a community based platform for those who are ready to own their sovereignty and embody their Sacred Wholeness.
She helps women recognize that splitting themselves into pieces and parts of themselves is disempowering and will always have them looking outside of the self for validation.
Fonda is a Certified Life Coach, Polarity Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist, published author, podcaster and Mother of Personal Freedom.
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