With the start of each New Year, I tend to reflect on the past year, with all of its lessons and some gifts. I don't believe in New Year's resolutions. Again this year, I'm just putting one foot in front of the other and am taking one small step at a time. What is new is that I am considering my own needs before automatically saying yes. I am placing more value on my time and on my energy. Saying "NO" is not easy, especially for a recovering people-pleaser and an over-doer. Doing the inner work is the on-going process of setting up healthy boundaries and ignoring your inner critic. When you are doing inner work it is important to find tools that will help you with the process. Some people use:
self-help books
meditation
journaling
working with a counsellor or a life coach.
( I like to diffuse essential oils when I'm meditating or journaling because of how they make me feel).
At the end of the day, you have to be true to yourself. So say yes to the things that are important to you. But pay attention to how you are feeling. If you are feeling exhausted or resentful, it may be because you are running yourself ragged doing things for everyone else. Our bodies give us clues when we are not paying enough attention or taking very good care of ourselves. Self-Care is about having balance in your life. Practice setting healthy boundaries, taking time for yourself and say "NO" sometimes.
My Blog is for general information only & is not meant to diagnose or replace medical advice. Essential Oils are for external use only & should always be diluted before topical use. My blog doesn't include all of the precautions or possible interactions that may occur. References: Zeck, Robbi. The Blossoming Heart: Aromatherapy for healing and transformation East Ivanhoe, Victoria: Aroma Tours.pp. 80 - 81). East Ivanhoe, Victoria: Aroma Tours. (2004) Mojay, Gabriel, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Healing Arts Press, One Park Street, Rochester, Vermont A division of Inner Traditions International.(1997) http://www.chatelaine.com/living/samantha-bee-learning-how-to-say-no/
http://foodandspirit.com/color-is-medicine-eating-for-vibrational-health
/http://www.chopra.com/ccl/find-power-and-warrior-energy-in-your-third-chakra