When someone asked how she still appears young despite her difficult lifestyle, Mother Teresa replied, “ Sometimes a good feeling from inside is worth much more than a beautician.”
All women go through periods in their lives when numerous demands are placed on them- family, work, spouse, children, parents. It is important, indeed necessary, to step back and recalculate one’s priorities, to reflect on one’s mission in life. For it is only in nurturing one’s soul that one can nurture, take care of another. Sometimes, one must say, ‘Stop! Listen to me, I have a story to tell.To be true, everyone should want to see themselves like the Gardenia- lovely, strong, with an aura of magic and a scent of spice, my heart is filled with pride as I write this blog on my self revival. I would go in circles,I did not know what to pursue in my life, I decided to pursue myself. Pursuing to become healthier, happier and most important to heal, be present and to become a confident person. But a part of me would wonder how am I going to do it ? change the tides of my life, but inside me my inner voice always told me that all the answers were inside me. All of it took me a good 10 years to achieve, being patient and compassionate to myself are the only words I would tell myself in repeat.
As I share the tools that helped me and might also help you, they’re simple but effective ways of daily choices that shaped me to who I am today.
- Small changes: Little things that I add to my routine, lead me to a significant change and have made me who “I AM” today. Balancing my mind , body and soul was a real game changer.
- Practising mind fullness: Being kind to myself has made me accept my challenges and also be patient to myself and to others.
- Building an Eco system: Connecting to family and friends with acceptance of who they are and meeting with them with a fresh perspective has worked for me.
- Having a purpose: Learning to challenge myself gave me the confidence to learn new things and to un-learn my past patterns.
- Self-care isn't being selfish: Prioritising myself, my physical and mental wellbeing made a significant impact on my overall happiness and fulfilment.
Good practises
- Gratefulness exercise : It is an exercise that I follow, write 3 things you’re thankful for everyday. This practice brings us a sense of joy and happiness.
- Mindfullness: Practising to be mindful of who you are with a simple breathing technique for 5-10 minutes to connect to your body and mind.
- Forgiving exercise : It is an exercise that asks you to ask forgiveness to someone and also forgive yourself. It helps in self reflection on your past, acknowledging the pain and choosing to release it.
- Self compassion: Treating yourself with love and patience, just like you’d treat a friend. This brings a sense of compassion to you.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep is the time that we repair, it has helped me recoup and has given me discipline in my life. Getting to bed and waking up at the same time sets our circadian rhythm.
Practical Tips:
- Active listening: Listening to the other person not to reply but to understand the other person's point of view helps in building trust.
- Show genuine interest: Asking about their life , hobbies and interests helps in building your community.
- Empathy: An ability to understand and giving space for others to express themselves has helped me build my relationships.
- Communication: Respecting others emotions and communicating with confidence has helped me build a healthy bond.
- Appreciation: Expressing my joy and gratitude towards others' efforts has been a rewarding experience.
- Here and Now: Being present is one exercise that has helped me to appreciate , acknowledge and be aware of myself.
