I remember telling my therapist once, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do if I'm not working on myself." I've been working on myself for as long as I can remember. Her response was simple, "enjoy what you've accomplished and maintain everything."
When it comes to self-care, it’s easy to get caught up in a mindset of always needing to do more or accomplish something before we can truly relax or enjoy ourselves. (I know I am very guilty of this.) However, self-care isn’t just ticking tasks off a checklist or accumulating things. It’s about nurturing yourself. Sometimes you figure out a routine that works, and you stick with it. There doesn't need to be grandiose rituals or soul-searching epiphanies. Sure those things happen, but just as we manage our resources with care, it’s important to be mindful of how we manage our time and energy.
It is okay to sit back and appreciate all the effort you have put into your well-being. Think of self-care like tending a garden. Once the soil is fertile and the seeds are planted, you do not need to overhaul everything daily. Some days, it is enough to water the plants, pull a stray weed, or admire how far things have come. Enjoying what you have already nurtured can be a deeply restorative act.
Letting go of the constant need to improve allows you to focus on maintaining balance and finding joy in the process. By stepping off the treadmill of "always doing more," you can rediscover the pleasure of being present. Celebrate the routines that already work for you and trust that sometimes, staying steady is the best way to keep growing.
We can be so focused on perfection that we forget to live in the moment. True self-care doesn’t mean hoarding time or energy for the "perfect" moment. It means allowing ourselves to experience joy, rest, and connection along the way. It’s about embracing a flow, where we can enjoy what we’ve created for ourselves while remaining open to whatever comes next. When we let go of the fear of running out or losing what we’ve worked for, we create more space for the things that truly matter: relaxation, peace, and the ability to savor the present.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
- What small changes can I make to feel more present in my self-care routine, without stressing about the next step?
- How you can create habits that support both immediate peace and long-term balance, without feeling like you have to choose between the two.
- What do I feel I’m holding on to too tightly in my life, and how can I loosen my grip to embrace more ease and joy?
TODAY'S GIFT
Today is another "everyone gets the same gift day", the Enjoy shower melts. Depending on your box you got 1, 3, or 5 of them.
This blend combines citrus (lime and grapefruit) with eucalyptus and lemongrass. There's just something about starting off the day with citrus that puts me in a good mood. Even making them, a big batch of these and I'm dancing to the music playing in my studio.
- Grapefruit to reduce stress and balance your mood
- Lime to uplift your mood and decrease anxiety
- Eucalyptus for focus and energy
- Lemongrass to gently ease stress and anxiety