The Fine Art of Showing Up for Yourself: A Journey to the Centre of You!
(Because You're Worth It and It's About Time Someone Told You)
Let’s play a game. It's called "Whose Life Is It Anyway?" and here’s the shocker – you’re supposed to be the star! But how often have you felt like a no-show? If you've ever kicked yourself for not speaking your truth after a heated debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza (it does, fight me), then welcome to the "I Wish I’d Shown Up for Myself" club! Let me introduce you to a few members of the club.
Keyword: Self-Care
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths with foam. It’s about honouring your needs, even if that means saying "no" to another Netflix marathon because you’ve got dreams bigger than the Tiger King’s ego. It’s about all that follows … (and more, but there are just so many words in a blog post).
Keyword: Mindfulness
Let’s talk about the second member called mindfulness, shall we? No, not the “I meditate so hard I levitate” kind. More like, “I’m aware of my thoughts and feelings, and I don’t need to share them on Twitter to validate them.” It’s about savouring the now – even if the now is you in your PJs, deciphering the enigma of adult taxes.
Keyword: Well-Being
Well-being is the buzz word. It's the magical unicorn of life that everyone's chasing, usually while running from their own shadow. It's about nurturing your body, mind, and spirit with the tenderness of a gardener who whispers sweet nothings to their tomatoes. Yes, it's a thing, and yes, it helps them grow (the jury's still out on the science, but don't judge, I do it too …. and you should have seen my tomatoes last year!).
Keyword: Inner Voice
Your inner voice is your built-in GPS, and sometimes it's screaming for a recalibration. It's that voice that tells you to wear the red socks with polka dots because they make you feel invincible. Or that whispers, "You need a day off" when you're about to hit burnout faster than a marshmallow at a bonfire.
Keyword: Self-Compassion
Last but not least, let's sprinkle a little self-compassion into the mix. It's like giving yourself a mental hug, even when you've just sent an "LOL" reply (if that’s still a thing?!) to a text that was definitely not meant to be funny. It’s acknowledging that you're human, and that's okay because if we were perfect, we’d all be boring.
Welcome to the Masterclass of Self-Discovery, or as I like to call it, "How to Show Up for Yourself Without Needing a Reminder on Your Phone." Because let's face it, we're all a little guilty of putting ourselves on the back burner. And that’s okay because showing up for yourself is something you have to choose over and over again.
Showing up for yourself - the Olympic sport
Showing up for yourself is the Olympic discipline of personal development. It's about listening to your inner voice, even when you can hardly hear it due to the noise around you.
It's about cultivating well-being, even when the only thing you're cultivating is your talent for procrastination.
It's about honouring your emotions, even when you feel like judging yourself for being a drama-queen.
It's about putting your own needs first, not in an "I'm the king of the world" way, but more "I'm the king of my personal space and that's cool."
It's about taking action towards your dreams, even when they're as wild as having a unicorn (who wouldn't want a unicorn, right?).
Dance to the Tunes Only You Can Hear
Spending time on your dreams and passions isn't just a hobby; it's your soul doing the samba. It's the difference between a monotonous life and one that's jingling with every note on the scale.
Practicing self-care and mindfulness is like a tango with your well-being. Sometimes you step on your own toes, but the dance is so worth it. It's about moving your body, even if it’s just dancing through your living room because it’s raining cats and dogs again (welcome to Scotland).
Being kind to yourself is not indulgent; it's essential. It's like saying, "Hey you, you're doing great," and believing it, even when you’re having a bad hair day and just ate cereal for dinner.
The Journey to Joy (No GPS Required)
Does this all sound overwhelming? Well, here's the kicker: You. Are. Worth. It. And if you think showing up for yourself is as hard as learning quantum physics, let me tell you, it's not. It's about finding and living your truth with kindness and consistency.
The Cheer Squad in Your Corner - ME
I know it’s not always easy. We're human, after all. We forget, we falter, and we sometimes eat the entire chocolate bar (it was dark chocolate, so it's fine, right?). But if we commit to this, if we show ourselves the love we deserve, it's more rewarding than finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag.
As a mindfulness and well-being coach, I'm not just talking the talk. I'm walking the walk – sometimes through a minefield of my own making (I’ll spill the tea on my own struggles in another post, so stay tuned). But I'm here, pom-poms in hand, ready to be your cheerleader, your coach, and your partner on this wacky, wonderful journey of showing up for yourself.
Because at the end of the day, it's not just about showing up; it's about showing up with bells on, with a smile on your face, and maybe a slice of pizza in your hand (with pineapple, because you're on my team). It's about being the leading lady (or gent) in the award-winning movie of your life. So, let's roll out the red carpet and start showing up for ourselves like we mean it.
And remember, when in doubt, ask yourself: What would my unicorn do?
Take your self-care seriously, but yourself not too much
Enjoy the journey of personal growth with a light heart and a healthy dose of humour. Because showing up for yourself doesn’t have to be a solemn vow; it can be the most joyous, laughter-filled adventure of your life.
So, dear reader, as you navigate the ebb and flow of your daily existence, may you always find the courage to show up for yourself – in the quiet moments of reflection, in the boisterous belly laughs with friends, and yes, even in the awkward dance moves in your living room you swear no one can see.
And if you ever catch yourself wondering if you're doing it right – just remember, there is no right or wrong. If you're showing up with all the messy, magnificent, and mirthful parts of you, you're exactly where you need to be.
Until next time, keep showing up, keep shining, and maybe, just maybe, keep that pineapple pizza on speed dial. Because who knows? That might just be the slice of happiness you need.
Loads of love,
Nadine xxx
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