You may have seen this quote on my website before - it's one a close family friend once said to me and it's always stuck with me.
It's saying that it's ok to stop and say "hang on a minute, what about me?".
It's one which gives us permission to take some time for ourselves.
If we're not ok, then it's not possible for us to give our best to those around us - our friends, family, work colleagues.
It is perfectly acceptable to now and again pause, take stock and focus on ourselves so that we can give ourselves what we need.
It is not selfish to want to take care of ourselves - I believe self care is a form of self acceptance. And self acceptance is up there in terms of goals, don't you think?
Given I'm now 42 and aware of the impending menopause I'm quite aware of how this can affect one's sense of identity. It's a huge life event, with 34 (or more depending on what you read) symptoms which can have a massive impact on our day to day lives. The ever changing levels of hormones are bound to leave us feeling overwhelmed, emotional, anxious, etc. It's therefore completely understandable that such a life event can make us question ourselves, where we are with our lives and how we want to be seen by others.
Of course, as I work as a radiographer also I'm acutely aware there are various other life events which give us reason to question ourselves or where we are with our lives similarly. And it's for reasons like this that I love doing this job as a personal stylist. It's for reasons like this I strongly feel clothes are so much more than a superficial thing. How we dress is more than a functional task. Clothes can make us feel. And this is something I am passionate about. We all should be able to feel happy in our own skin.
I love helping women who are ready to give back to themselves. Perhaps they have not been feeling content with what they see in the mirror. I know some women even avoid mirrors so they don't have to face up to these feelings. And it's a big step to admit that to yourself and then others. It takes courage. But all we can do is take one step at a time. Put one foot in front of the other.
Self care is not selfish care.
So what's my point? My point is I'm asking you - what have you done for you this week? Have you set aside some time for yourself? Maybe sat down in the middle of the day and read some of your book? Closed your eyes for 15 minutes on the sofa when there was a moment of peace and quiet? Listened to a podcast? Even put on your favourite scarf to boost your mood. If you haven't already why not try to do something for you - because ya'know, we never know what life is going to throw at us.
If you feel comfortable to, reply to my email telling me what you like to do as part of your self care - I'd be really interested to hear what all our various techniques and methods are for showing ourselves some kindness. It might be nice for us all to hear what we like to do for ourselves so I could share your replies if you feel comfortable with that (of course I'll keep everything anonymous).
Until next time,
Lou x
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