Relax, Relate, Release

Our first theme of 2014 is all about LOVE and of course it begins with love of self. Last week I asked you to kickoff your self-love practices by saying farewell to some people, things, and thoughts that no longer serve you and the life you're creating now. Once you clean out your physical, mental, and spiritual closets you will see your life exactly as it is.

The areas of your life where there are gaps, deficiencies, abundance, and overflow will be so evident it may make you anxious, excited, or sick to your stomach, but don’t panic! Wherever you start there’s always room for growth and expansion. As part of your self-love practice I want you to choose ONE area to build further or reboot completely. How will you know which are of life needs the most self-love and attention? Ask yourself where are you spending the most time, money, and energy and does that decision – whether conscious or not – feel good to you? If not there is an opportunity to change, there is always room for more self-love and self-care.

Many of you are leading busy and complex lives where you’re focused on other people and other things (job, money, reality TV!) that you forget to take care of you. For example, if Finances is the area of your life that is suffering most, you may consider adding 1-2 self-love practices in this area. This could include storing $25 monthly in a separate savings account or purchasing your favorite latte when you’ve reached your target saving goal. The goal is for you to feel and trust you are taking care of yourself. That you are gaining momentum toward re-energizing that area.                                               

The most common area of depletion is in Body and Health. That’s because EVERYTHING that happens in every other area of your life impacts your body. If you’re anxious, worried, or depressed your body will know it and show it. When your health suffers you don’t have the energy to address the areas of life that are deficient, and there begins the vicious cycle. Once you take care of your body and health you all have the energy to then revitalize other areas of your life.

While going to the spa is great, there are a number of other Body and Health self-love practices that are low cost and low maintenance, and probably more important. Here are some of my favorites:

• Sit in stillness for 10 minutes. No music, TV, or talking. Listen to your breath.
• Review your vision board. It’s not just for show, its for energy and encouragement.
  
• Read power thought cards. Louise Hays authors some of my favorites.
  
• Write your body dreams. Establish your commitment to engage a healthier lifestyle.
  
• Work-it-Out. Whether you choose Yoga, Spin, or the latest body Bootcamp, you’ve got to move! 
  

In the words one of my all-time favorite TV characters, Whitley Gilbert of A Different World, self-love practices simply require you to Relax, Relate, Release. Relax your body and your mind. Relate and listen to your inner world. Release the things that are not within your control. Be sure the share the ways you Relax, Relate, and Release too.

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