Breaking the Paradigm Through Clarity + Self-Care
We are the root of the growth, manifestations and prophecies in our life. At times we carry so much baggage, pressure, old methods of doing things, resentment, and obligatory expectations of those around us. It causes us to lose sight of the rawest, most real version of ourselves...That is absolute chaos. There has to be a point in time when you take a step back at your life, which is merely reality tangled with your ego, perception and facades.
Self-care is defined as ‘any activity that we do deliberately, in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.’
Self-care has happened for me in seasonal waves, but I’m implementing it in full force for my life. It’s more than Aztec clay masks, shea butter and pacifying inner work with expensive fitness memberships and acai bowls.
Self-care and healing takes grit, discipline and shifts of being uncomfortable. The first step of self-care is to release old patterns and ideas of how things have to be. You don’t have to carry all of that baggage. You don’t have to be shameful of your past mistakes. You certainly are allowed to breathe new air and begin again. Forgive, not to soothe others, but to soothe your peace of mind. That is the ultimate clarity.
Going Off the Grid
Reducing my time on social media has allowed me to have a clear peace of mind. Endlessly scrolling and reading everyone’s thoughts or being bombarded with photo overload does a lot to the psyche. It’s good to be selective with the internet and social media outlets. Don’t get me wrong, there are amazing blogs, forums and Twitter threads that have taught me so much about universal healing, manifesting, relationships e.t.c. But, I do think that if you’re in need of self-care and clarity, you should be choosy. There have been days and weeks and months at a time that I didn’t upload anything, post on my stories, e.t.c. It feels good to have that option.
Remember that you do not have to overexpose your journey. You do not have to document everything to prove anything or to appear as though you’re getting it all together. Self-care is about you. It’s not always gym selfies, charcoal masks and bath bombs. Self-care is exfoliating the soul.
When I started this journey, all I wanted to do was isolate myself, go running and void myself any source of negativity. I wanted to protect my peace. Control. Everyone’s definition of being off-the-grid is different. For me, I wanted to reclaim my privacy and moments for myself. I wanted stillness. I wanted to take things day-by-day…journaling my feelings and completely grasping how I was feeling.
Starting a New Routine
After beginning my clarity period (note that gaining more clarity does not happen in just one day, or one week—it’s a continuous path) and practicing being off-the-grid. I got more in the routine of doing these things daily:
Taking vitamins and supplements
Having a consistent body-care routine (haha, lots of coconut+ Monoi oil)
Drinking a lot of water
Meal-prepping + whole eating
Working out + weight training
Juicing
Journaling
Praying + meditating
Reading and relearning
This routine improved my mind, body and spirit. Not only do I look good, but I seriously feel good about myself. All of these things in my routine benefit my physical and emotional health. All of these things are choices that have everything to do with me and no one else. I’ve seen a physical improvement and it excites me that my care + regard for myself is transforming my temple.
I’ve also allowed quiet times for myself. Enjoying a spinach + ginger juice, and winding down, and reading a much anticipated poetry book is necessary for me.
“It’s above me.”
That saying, “It’s above me,” really is the theme for my present, future and past. Living in gratitude is Self-care. Life is unexpected and our plans do not always play out the way we want. Trust me, if anyone knows that—its me. Feeling frustrated after a relationship not fulling panning out to your liking, having friendships fade away, experiencing burn-out after endless nights putting in so much work, putting in so so much effort and being a smidge off from the goal, e.t.c. happens. The key to Self-care is not throw the towel in. I’ve realized that self-care is half of what you do for the outside, but more of what you do for the inside. Pent-up disappointment eventually turns to ugly attitudes and bitter outlooks. Grow out of that. Strive to heal, take time and do the work, so that you’re mentally right.
You do not have to settle or accept mediocrity. I’m not lowering my intuitive standards after a stumble or hiccup. I’m certainly not giving up my dreams after a few burn outs and lessons. Lord knows that I’m not going to stop doing what I love just because I’m not currently at the end goal. I’m just trusting God, giving it time and remembering that what’s for me will be for me.
I’m just rewriting.
