Our thought for this week is all about giving ourselves permission.
Many self-care practices are familiar – give ourselves time and quality rest, nourish our bodies with life-giving foods – and our bodies will be able to do their best to keep us well.
However, another perspective with ‘giving ourselves permission’, is putting ourselves first – and that means prioritizing our own needs. This is a more than a practice; it’s a self-nurturing mindset ¹.
We all need to prioritize our own needs, yet often particularly women and those in care giving roles are not always in the habit of self-nourishment because others rely on their giving and doing.
I’ve also found that it is a powerful distinction to go from ‘I’ll fit myself in’ to realising that, at the end of the day, the only person who’s in charge of my diary and what I’m going to do next is me.
When it comes to our health (namely our entire health of mind, body, wellness, relationships, finances, goals), we benefit immensely from self-prioritization. Frequently the message we hear is to give ourselves permission to do something, x or y. I’m calling us instead, to give ourselves permission to put ourselves on the map.
So, if you’re aware of an area where perhaps in the past you’ve held back, maybe this is your opportunity to give yourself permission, and please do message me if you’d like to share your experience.
¹ In “Five Reasons to Put Yourself First,” Dr. Tracy Thomas challenges the common notion that prioritizing ourselves is selfish. Emphasizing that we are our best for others when we put ourselves first, she adds a unique spin on the effect of not doing so: “When you direct partial attention toward yourself, you start to show up in all facets of your life as a partial version of yourself.” This implication is huge! It is only by giving ourselves permission that we fuel our whole self.
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O, is a Lifestyle Consultant, with over 26 years experience in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified osteopath, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, speaker, health mentor and Health Brand Ambassador. She loves to globe-trot with her husband Chris (NZ, Australia, USA, UK + Europe and Indonesia are current favourites) relishing an outdoor lifestyle and time with family and friends.
