'Tis the Season of Me: ˈneriSH Your Season of Self-care

“Have you ever felt so exhausted that even the thought of taking a moment for yourself feels like a luxury you can’t afford?”

ˈneriSH Me: I remember a time not too long ago (Wednesday) when I was juggling work, while trying to launch a business, family, and endless to-do lists. Everyone around me seemed to enjoy life without a care in the world, clocking out on breaks while I worked around the clock. When they (my family) would clock out on life and responsibilities that came with making the best decisions for them and their family…. it was me, who clocked back in, working triple double overtime, picking up the pieces, with no increase in pay. It seemed as though everyone enjoyed the luxuries of operating in their feminine energy, while I had to trade in my stilettos for steel-toe boots. This began to harden me.

I felt a sense of purposeful exhaustion. Exhausted that they always needed me, but it gave me a sense of purpose to be needed. My inner critic – and if you haven’t met her stay tuned, she likes to make a grand entrance, convinced me that because of my abandonment issues it wouldn’t right to abandon them, So I taught myself that it was better to be run down and run over than to be by myself. This hardens me.

Because I was tired my behavior changed: I became more

1. Irritable: Small things that wouldn't normally bother me, started to feel overwhelming and frustrating.

2. Lacked Motivation: Tasks that I usually enjoy or find manageable seemed daunting or uninteresting.

3. Physical Symptoms: I experience headaches, muscle tension, or a general sense of fatigue.

4. Mental Health: Anxiety, intense episodes of fear and physical symptoms, and a feeling of losing control. I was starting to have panic attacks. Imagine a moment where everything around you feels like it's closing in. Your clothes suddenly feel tight and constricting, as if they're suffocating you. Despite being surrounded by air, it feels like there's not enough to breathe. Your chest tightens, and every breath you take feels shallow and insufficient. Your heart races, pounding so hard you can hear it in your ears. I felt dizzy, lightheaded, and detached from reality, as if I'm watching myself from the outside. It's a sensation of intense fear and helplessness, where your body and mind are in a state of high alert, even though there's no immediate danger.

5. Difficulty Concentrating: It can be harder to focus on tasks or remember details.

6. Sleep Issues: Either struggling to fall asleep, staying asleep, or feeling unrested even after sleeping.

   
   

And when no one checked on me asked, “how was I doing? or what I needed?” I felt unappreciated and unloved, and my behavior shifted:

1. Withdrawal: I started to distance myself from others, feeling disconnected or isolated.

2. Resentment: Felt bitter or resentful towards those who don't acknowledge all my efforts.

3. Decreased Productivity: A lack of recognition lead to reduced motivation and productivity at work and with my daily chores (my room still ain’t cleaned).

4. Seeking Validation: I was constantly looking for approval or recognition from others.

5. Self-Doubt: Questioning my worth or abilities because of the lack of appreciation from others

I had changed! Out of fear of being alone, I stayed on the clock, clocked in. The more I did for everyone else, the less I did for me. I was abandoning me. The more I abandoned myself, the more irritable I became. So, I began to settle because I labeled myself unlovable or difficult to love.

As I sat alone, surrounded by the remnants of another busy day, I realized something profound: I was not just physically tired, emotionally and mentally drained, but I was abandoning me. I was doing me the exact same thing that had been the source of my pain. I had been pouring from an empty cup, giving all of myself to others and leaving nothing for me."  It was time to Focus on Me

 "In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often find ourselves prioritizing everyone else’s needs over our own. We become the pillars of strength for our families, the reliable friends who are always there, and the dedicated workers who never miss a beat. But what about you? When was the last time you took a moment to truly care for yourself?

This season, it’s time to focus on you.

Welcome to ˈneriSH Season of Me.

For the hardworking moms who handle all the holiday preparations, this is your time to breathe, to relax, and to focus on your own well-being.

For the single parents balancing work, kids, and bills, this is your moment to find balance within yourself, to recharge, and to embrace self-love.

For those who are always there for others but rarely receive the same support, this is your season to be your own rock, to prioritize your needs, and to cultivate self-compassion.

Join us in this journey of self-discovery and self-care. Let’s make this winter a time of reflection, healing, and preparation for the beautiful growth that lies ahead.

Season of Me: Winter Repair Phase

Equipment Maintenance: Self-Care and Repair

Self-maintenance and rejuvenation.

Just as farmers take the winter months to repair their equipment and prepare the soil for the next planting season, we invite you to do the same for yourself. From December to the end of January, focus on nurturing your mind, body, and soul.

In the same way that farmers mend their tools and tend to their fields, it’s time for you to mend the parts of yourself that have been worn down by the demands of life. This season is about repairing and preparing for growth, ensuring you are ready to blossom into your best self. Embrace this time to reflect, heal, and lay the foundation for a vibrant, fulfilling future.

Activities:

• Self-Care Routine: Establish a daily self-care routine. This could include activities like meditation, journaling, exercise, and healthy eating.

• Mental Health Check: Engage in activities that support mental health, such as therapy, mindfulness practices, or simply taking time to relax and unwind.

Planning and Preparation: Self-Reflection and Financial Planning

Reflecting on the past and planning for the future.

Activities:

• Self-Reflection: Reflect on your past year, identifying successes and areas for improvement. This could be through journaling or guided reflection exercises.

• Financial Planning: Reflect on your past year, start setting financial goals, budgeting, and managing holiday spending to reduce stress.

Free Season of Me Self-care Guide

Stay Tuned...