Jacq KoloskiWe are in a time where the world is constantly asking more of us, do more, be more, give more and it can be easy for us to get lost along the way. When did we stop giving to ourselves and feeding our heart, mind, body and soul?
Self-care is not indulgence-it’s remembrance. It’s remembering that you are worthy of your own kindness, that your body, mind, heart, and soul deserve the same care you so freely offer others.
Self-care starts with kindness. If you can show kindness to others, why not show kindness to yourself. True kindness isn’t about perfection-it’s about presence. It’s choosing to speak gently to yourself, to listen to your needs, and to allow yourself to rest without guilt. Often our inner critic starts speaking to us the moment we stop and look at giving back to ourselves, to show kindness and self-care. This can take time to change, as our inner voice has had a program running for so long and is comfortable with it and it doesnt like to change. When you make peace with your inner voice, you begin to heal from the inside out.
One way to be mindful of your inner voice is to ask yourself: “Would I speak to a dear friend like this?” Each time you start to speak negatively towards and about yourself, stop, pause, take a deep breath and change the wording you would use. When you make a mistake, say, “That’s okay, I’m learning.” When you feel tired, remind yourself, “I deserve rest.” When you feel uncertain, say, “It’s safe to take my time.” These words of compassion are the quiet medicine for your soul.
Love your body – When you start loving your body and showing it self-care you will notice how it starts to heal. Our bodies hold our stories, emotions, memories and when we are unkind to it, we create di-ease within our bodies. Caring for our body is an act of love and kindness.
💜What food do you nourish your body with?
💜What movement do you do that your body loves?
💜How are you speaking to your body? Are you speaking with words of love and kindness?
💜Our body whispers its need to us. Are you listening?
One simple technique you could do everyday to show self-care is stretch in the morning, breathe deeply and exhale. Tell your body how much you love it for all that it does.
Every self-care act becomes a declaration telling your body that you love it and appreciate all that it does for you.
Love your mind – Your mind is a powerhouse that can influence how we see ourselves and how we live our lives. Our mind can flourish when we give it space, peace and love. What we think comes back to what we program our mind to think and believe. Outside influences also have an impact on our minds. Guard your thoughts as you would a sacred space—notice when they turn harsh or fearful, and meet them with love, not judgment. The goal isn’t to silence your thoughts, but to understand them and find peace.
💜What are you feeding your mind?
💜What self-care are you doing for your mind?
Create moments in your day to pause, breathe, and come back to the present. Meditation, journaling, reading poetry, or sitting in stillness can reset your mind.
Love your Soul – Your soul longs for connection—with life, with others, with something greater. It whispers daily to you, reminding you of who you are and what you are here for. Have you been listening? Our soul longs for us to connect within and listen. Listen to its wisdom and know at any time you can go within and seek the guidance that you are after. Ways to nurture your soul is through creativity, music, nature and quiet reflection. Let yourself be in awe of the simple things that life has to offer. The beauty of the colour of the sky, a rainbow, the sound of rain and the warmth of the sun.
When you feed your soul with self-care you awaken within yourself a deeper knowing and understanding that reminds you that you are enough and you are loved.
Loving your Heart – Your heart feels it all. It feels the love, pain and all the array of emotions in between. It fiercely guides and protects you as you navigate life. Its fragility shows you the depths of how self-care can heal, nurture and bring you back to you. Self-care of the heart heals and the more care and love we give it the bigger and fuller our life becomes. Whatever is weighing you down, let it go and allow yourself to heal and bring light within to your heart.
Here is a simple Self-Care Ritual to assist you to reconnect to self.
The Candlelight Ritual of Self-Care
What you’ll need: A candle (any color that feels soothing to you), a comfortable, quiet space, a journal or piece of paper and soothing music (optional)
Set yourself up where you won’t be disturbed. This is your time for self-care.
💜 Create your sacred space.
💜Light your candle, take three deep breaths, exhale and release any tension you are holding onto.
💜Place your right hand on your heart and left hand on your belly.
💜Whisper: “I am here for me. I love who I am.”
Ask yourself:
💜What does my body need today?
💜What does my mind need today?
💜What does my soul need today?
💜 What does my heart need today?
Pay attention to what thoughts, feelings, images, colours or anything else that shows up. Write this in your journal.
Offer love and kindness to yourself as you take the time for self-care.
When you are finished, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Thank yourself for all that you are and know that you are loved. Blow out the candle and remember that self-care begins and ends with love. Self-care is not another task on your to-do list. It’s a practice, a self-care practice that honours you and the very fact that you exist. When you care for yourself with love and kindness, you ripple that same energy into the world around you. Thank you beautiful soul for being here at this time and making the world a more loving place. Because when you are nourished, grounded, and at peace, the world becomes a softer, brighter place too.
If you are needing guidance and support I offer mentoring sessions. You can connect with me at: connectingwithjacqueline@gmail.com
If you would like to order your own copy of Jacq’s Musings, please click here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Jacqs-Musings-self-discovery-happiness-self-love-ebook/dp/B0CQT6YJ9T
Big love and hugs
Jacq 💜
Christine Sanson Maudy
Ann Moir-Bussy
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