“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.”- Unknown

Taking time to nourish your spirit is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself (and truly to those around you). I have learned in order to fill the cups of others I must first fill my own. This is something I have to remind myself of from time to time and has been a journey to learn. It is easy to go about daily life and work hard and forget to carve out time to really do things that make your heart soar. This looks different for everybody and whatever this means to you, you should honor it in only the way you know how.

Ideas for self-care: yoga, running, hiking, skiing, knitting, painting, meditation, eating right, reading, hot bath with candles & essential oils, spending time with animals, massage, improving your sleep habits, acupuncture, jewelry-making, writing, weekend get-away by yourself or with someone you can relax with, taking a class in something that inspires you, gardening, or walking barefoot.

Whatever it is that makes you feel more grounded, more calm and collected and more full of joy, make time for it. You will be a better person, a better spouse, a better friend. Taking time out for self-nourishment will make you more resilient and will allow you to handle life’s stressors in a much healthier way when you have breathed love into your own emotional and physical body. It is essential to love you first so you then can wrap others in that very same love. Take some time out to do something special for you.