In a world that glorifies busyness, self-care can feel like a radical act. For women, especially, the expectations to care for everyone else often leave little room for tending to our own needs. But true self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s not about bubble baths or indulgent treats (though those can be lovely), but about reconnecting with your inner self and creating a space where you can align, heal, and thrive.
At its core, self-care is about radical recovery—a reclamation of the parts of yourself that have been buried under societal pressures, endless to-do lists, and the noise of a fast-paced world. It’s about doing the deep work of coming home to yourself.
I was barely acquainted with self-care practices besides the ones I have known all my life which I did not consciously categorize as "self-care." As an introvert, I have always known that solitude and quiet recharges me, that long walks in nature restore me, and that expressing myself creatively fuels my soul like nothing else. When I moved past my first year in recovery, glimmers of intentionally choosing to take care of my self shone brightly as pockets of relief and peace. I learned then that I don't need anything outside of myself to practice this radical art.
Start With a Daily Ritual
Self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or extravagant. It begins with small, intentional acts that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. A daily ritual can anchor you in the present moment and remind you of your inherent worth.
Here are some ideas to inspire your practice:
Morning Grounding: Begin your day with five minutes of deep breathing or journaling. Ask yourself, What do I need today to feel whole?
Creative Expression: Let your creativity flow, whether through art, writing, or even cooking. Creativity connects us to our inner world and allows us to express emotions we may not have words for.
Nature Connection: Spend a few moments outside, even if it’s just sitting under a tree or feeling the sun on your face. Nature has a way of reminding us of our place in the greater web of life.
Evening Reflection: End your day with gratitude. Reflect on what brought you joy or peace, no matter how small.
Doing the Deep Work
Self-care isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it means facing uncomfortable truths or letting go of patterns that no longer serve you. This is the deep work—the process of peeling back the layers to reconnect with your authentic self.
Here are some ways to dive deeper:
Mindful Awareness: Notice when you’re running on autopilot. Pause and ask, Is this serving my highest good?
Boundaries: Saying no is an act of self-care. Protect your time and energy by setting clear boundaries.
Healing Practices: Engage in practices that help you process and release emotional pain, such as therapy, meditation, or journaling.
Community: Surround yourself with people who support your growth and honor your journey.
Radical Recovery of Your True Self
Radical recovery is about more than just feeling better; it’s about reclaiming your true essence. It’s the process of aligning with your values, living authentically, and embracing your inherent worthiness. For many, this journey includes unlearning societal expectations and reconnecting with their inner wisdom. The art of unlearning is one that I believe we all practice if we make it to a place (and age) of consciousness expansion, when we realize that institutions, industries, algorithms, and governments do not have our best interest in mind when they do what they do.
As a recovery coach and mixed-media artist, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of self-care in women’s lives. As a person in long-term recovery and as an empath and human being, I've experienced that power. When you take the time to nurture yourself, you create space for healing, creativity, and growth. You begin to live from a place of freedom and authenticity, rather than fear or obligation.
A Call to Action
This New Year, I invite you to make self-care a sacred practice. Start small. Commit to one daily ritual that nourishes your soul. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s an act of love that ripples out to everyone around you.
As you reconnect with your inner self and embark on this journey of radical recovery, know that you are not alone. Together, we can create a world where women honor their needs, celebrate their creativity, and live from a place of alignment and authenticity.
What will your first act of radical self-care be today? Share your thoughts or intentions in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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