Protect your self-care when others tempt you
to stray
By Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach
So, you've set your self-care goals and you're all set. You've even considered
the ways you'll sabotage yourself — but wait! What about those well-meaning
friends and relatives who:
With all good intention pass along clutter from their house to yours
— "this
would look great on you", or "I can't use this but maybe you
can".
(Surroundings & Structures)
Seem to dwell on the negative or tell stories about how unfair life
is. (Emotions & Thoughts)
Invite you to have "just a bite", or encourage you to stay
out "just
a little longer". (Lifestyle Habits)
Shy away from your new found honesty and assertiveness. (Friends, Family & Peers)
They probably don't mean any harm but they may DO you harm if they steer
you away from the self-care goals you've set for yourself. So how
do your put yourself
first and get selfish when others are tempting you to stray?
Be very clear yourself. If you're unsteady in your commitment
that will show through.
Ask for what you need. No one can read your mind or know what
would make things easiest for you. What request do you want
to make?
Live by example — don't preach. Just like you weren't ready
to take on healthy goals at other times in your life, those
you love
may not
be ready
now.
Plan ahead. Think of how you will say no, prepare alternatives
or plan an "escape
route". Do what you have to do to take care of yourself.
Be honest. Talk about your goals and what they mean to
you. AND if you're going to throw out or give-away
that clutter or leftover birthday
cake
as soon as you leave, you don't have to mention it.
Choose who to spend time with. You may choose to spend
less time with someone who has unhealthy habits.
Think about who
it is you'd
like to
spend more time
with — who makes you feel good about yourself, champions
your efforts, or is a model of healthy habits and
self-care? Focus
on spending
more time with
those
people.
As time goes by and your daily practices become more
of a habit, you'll protect your self-care without even
thinking
about it.
Until then,
hang on for your
life! •
About the Author Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, is the author of The
Everyday Self-Care
Workbook. To receive one of her free monthly newsletters, subscribe
at www.genuinecoaching.com.
Current Living promotes relevant information, articles, book excerpts, and useful resources
on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual topics to help you
make the most of living mindfully, healthily, creatively, and fully in the
Now.
About the Author
Current Living promotes relevant information, articles, book excerpts, and useful resources
on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual topics to help you
make the most of living mindfully, healthily, creatively, and fully in the
Now.