“The more things change, the more things stay the same.”
As we seek to change ourselves, paradoxically, old patterns become fixed and hardened.
What do we need to create lasting transformation?
I recommend creating a new program focusing on self-care, self-love, and self-acceptance.
Why it works. . .
The Baseline: Self-care pulls our nervous system into a place of safety and calm and experiences much-needed serenity; two things happen. For one, we answer our existing needs. For another, we give ourselves the chance to check in with ourselves further and see what we want more clearly.
In this way, self-care is both the answer and the question. It is what we need, and it also allows us to ask what we need further—from a place of calm centeredness, where we are finally free from the external noise and pressures that bombard us incessantly and open space for the transformation and change we seek.
Prioritizing Well-being: Self-care involves nurturing physical, emotional, and mental well-being. When we prioritize self-care, we replenish our energy, reduce stress, and improve our overall resilience. This enhanced well-being provides the foundation for reinventing ourselves, as we are better equipped to overcome obstacles and embrace new challenges.
Cultivating Self-Compassion: Reinventing ourselves requires self-compassion, as change can be challenging and uncomfortable. Self-care practices help us develop a nurturing relationship with ourselves, encouraging self-acceptance and forgiveness. When we treat ourselves compassionately, we become more willing to step out of our comfort zones and embrace transformation.
Turning Point: Self-acceptance means embracing ourselves fully, including our strengths, weaknesses, and past experiences. It involves acknowledging and making peace with our past and present, allowing us to move forward with authenticity and intention. Self-acceptance grants us the freedom to let go of old patterns and embrace new ways of being, thereby facilitating our reinvention.
A story to keep in mind. . .
We’ve all been on an airplane. Remember when the flight attendant gives instructions about what to do in case of an emergency landing? The oxygen masks drop down from above the seat, and you’re supposed to strap the mask to your face. There’s always something else that they say. “If you are sitting next to a child, secure your own mask first and then help the child.”
We may think we are helping others by sacrificing ourselves, but self-care is essential for us and those around us.