I want to start a revolution

"Appreciation and self-love are the most important tools that you could ever nurture" - Abraham

I want to start a revolution.
The revolution will begin with me choosing to be as kind & caring to myself [or more] as I am to those around me.   

I recently made a wish on a cupcake.
[something that happens kind of frequently these days]

Or perhaps I set an intention [or hope] as I exhaled and blew out my candle, surrounded by people I adore and being held by their light, their love, their joy.
 
My wish was to love and embrace myself with as much kindness as I do all the other people in my life.  
 
At first, I struggled to talk and write about this.  I went into my head with old stories about worthiness, guilt & being selfish.
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I’ve been practicing intentional self-care for the past three years.  It feels so amazing to have done the work to know what I need, and to claim and to honor my needs, in the midst of everyday life.   Now I am ready to do what comes next, which is prioritizing kindness with myself. Teaching about this [while still learning how to do it] is what is next for me. 
 
I have been a caregiver and nurturer, in some way, shape or form, for many of my 42 years.   It's part of who I am and is so ingrained in me.     I love through touch, by paying attention & through my presence.   I love by caregiving, mothering & nurturing those around me.  I am a giving pro.

In truth, the ways that I love can be exhausting.   It can feel lopsided and leave me feeling resentful.  Some days I wonder if there is space for my needs within all of the pieces that I am balancing.  Where do I fit in?    

Then the realization comes that I know that my needs must take up space in the world.   My needs must occupy their own sacred space.  Because I hold and carry so much.  Because I deserve.  Because in order to show up in life in the way that I want, I must claim kindness with myself.   And so I will.  

As I notice how and when I am resentful, tired or overwhelmed, I begin to connect the dots. I notice that during these times, my well is quite empty.  I have been focused on filling the glasses of those around me, but not my own.  

And then:
I remember that nourishing kindness within can come in tiny, precise action or in larger, spacious steps.

I remember that I have assembled an amazing tool box of ways to take care of myself.

I remember that I get to choose, even when it feels like I don't have a choice.

I remember that I get to stop mid-course and change directions if I want to. 

I remember that using my voice is necessary.    

I remember that being is just as important as doing.  

I remember that I can ask for support.

I remember that I get to ask for what I need and want at any point in time.

I remember that I am  human and I take a deep breath.  And then I exhale.  

I remember that I have strategies to shut down my inner mean girl.

I remember that I continue to be the author of my own beautiful life, especially in the midst of difficulty, sadness & frustration.  

I remember that I matter.  


What I know is that you are a precious gift.   I believe that your needs and wishes and wants matter.  You deserve to take up space.  You deserve to treat yourself with kindness and respect.  And what a blessing it is for you to embrace nurturing yourself in this way.  
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Nourishing Kindness is a revolution.  Want to join us? 
We begin on February 15th.  More details here.

xoox-
Kristen