One of my 2014 resolutions was to indulge in a massage every month as one way to manage my stress and anxiety and to take better care of myself overall, and it was one resolution that I definitely kept. In fact, it went so well that I made it one of my 2015 resolutions. This afternoon, I slid onto the heated massage table and instantly felt the stress of the day begin to melt away, as the massage therapist began by soothingly advising me to thank myself for taking the time to do something good for myself today. Even though I have heard her say this phrase over a dozen times previously, today was the first time that I actually took her words in and acted on them.
As I relaxed for the next hour, her gentle nudge to thank myself kept popping into my now calm mind. I strive to have good manners and to be gracious and kind to others, and I often say ‘thank you’ to the people I encounter throughout the day-my daughters for helping around the house, my mother for picking up my daughters from school, someone who holds the door open for me, a salesperson who offers their assistance to me, and so forth. That said, thanking myself for doing something positive for myself was somewhat of a foreign concept.
Rather than dismiss her suggestion, I mulled it over and decided that if I could write things that I am thankful for each day in my gratitude journal, then surely, I could find a few things to thank myself for today. Right?! At first, it was more difficult than I imagined, but then, slowly, the gratitude began to flow. In addition to thanking myself for the massage, I also thanked myself for:
Getting up early to complete an interval workout. This decision made my body stronger and my mind clearer, and it gave me a burst of energy to begin a busy day.
Choosing healthy foods to nourish my body. I have never met a sweet treat I didn’t like . . .or eat. That said, when I eat too many unhealthy foods, I end up feeling unhealthy. So, today, I chose fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to fuel my body, and I chose not to use food as a reward or coping mechanism. Good nutrition does a body good!
Taking time to read a book. I have loved reading since I was a little girl, but over the years, I haven’t been as quick to pick up a book. I truly enjoy reading, so, I carved out some time this morning to read an inspirational book. It started this day off on a good note and gave me something positive to focus on during the day, especially when things were chaotic.
I came out of my massage appointment feeling much more relaxed and much more appreciative for what I did to take care of myself today. Thank you!
Such wonderful advice. It seems that we are always thanking everyone for their kindnesses but forget that we need to realize what we do for ourselves everyday. Your post makes me think. Thank you.
Thanks so much, and I agree that I definitely can add or detract from a situation, depending on how I feel. So, I am becoming more aware of choosing to be happy and healthy.
I agree about having regular massage appointments. It is a great reward and treat to the self. I also think it help us move forward and grow healthy as a whole person; though this is an unproven thory;)
Well done for taking the time for yourself and continuing with a good practise.
I loved this post… very inspirational. Think I need to book me a massage! 🙂
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on That's Another Story.
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Great post. Self care is so important! 🙂
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Thanks so much! I am glad that I am not alone in thinking that self-care is essential:)
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Agreed, we must take time to take Carr .of ourselves. We can’t help others if we don’t take care of ourselves first.
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Good point! We cannot give to others if we don’t know how to give to ourselves. This is a lesson that I continue to learn:)
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Good job Kristi! So important to take care of yourself especially in the wonderful field you are in.
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Thank you, Sheila, and self-care is definitely self-preservation for us:)
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Words of wisdom!
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Aw, thanks so much:)
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Such wonderful advice. It seems that we are always thanking everyone for their kindnesses but forget that we need to realize what we do for ourselves everyday. Your post makes me think. Thank you.
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You are so welcome, and thank you for sharing your kind feedback!
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Good idea…. Time for you!
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Many thanks, and I hope you find many things to thank yourself for today and every day!
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A work out is a must. Trust me, you’ll feel fresh and energetic throughout the day.
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I could not agree with you more, and it truly is one of the best things that I do for myself!
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When you are fine, everybody around you is! Love your post.
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Thanks so much, and I agree that I definitely can add or detract from a situation, depending on how I feel. So, I am becoming more aware of choosing to be happy and healthy.
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Thank you. I like what you wrote.
I agree about having regular massage appointments. It is a great reward and treat to the self. I also think it help us move forward and grow healthy as a whole person; though this is an unproven thory;)
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You are so welcome, and thank you for your kind words! I agree with your theory 100%:)
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Great post! This is practically my agenda each morning since I gave up alcohol
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Thank you, and congratulations on being able to give up alcohol!
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Great advice. You have to take care of you, so you can do what you do for others.
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Thank you, and you are absolutely right!
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When you look after yourself you then have the strength to look after others. Take care.
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Yes, indeed, and I thank you!
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I need to thank myself more. Thanks for the reminder.
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You are more than welcome:)
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Self-care is invaluable!
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It is truly priceless!
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Well done for taking the time for yourself and continuing with a good practise.
I loved this post… very inspirational. Think I need to book me a massage! 🙂
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Thank you so much, and I hope you can enjoy a massage very soon!
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