Do you feel overworked and under-appreciated but still guilty about taking a break? Instead of eating when we’re hungry or resting when we’re tired, many women look for ways to push the boundaries by suppressing our hunger and caffeinating our energy levels — often at the expense of our own health. Illness, accidents or incapacity can force us take a hard look at our self-care and acknowledge our own needs.
Reba Linker recently sent me a copy of her new e-book Imagine Self Love. I like Reba and her work but when it comes to self-help and personal growth books, I’m a very tough audience.
[Tweet “When it comes to personal growth books, I’m a tough audience. #imagineselflove”]
After spending three decades in the “change business” (both as a therapist and a program director) my standards a pretty high. It’s rare that I find something new. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing: personal growth is a very individual thing. Most of us need the same message in several ways before we can grab onto a change and make it our own.
I was delighted to come across a completely original, powerful exercise designed to help us remember the importance of self-care. I’m not going to ruin it for you but it’s in the chapter on gratitude and involves pouring from a pitcher.
[Tweet “I was delighted to come across a completely original exercise. #imagineselflove”]
This one brought me back to an especially difficult time in my life. I was an already overwhelmed single mother who needed to change careers due to some unexpected health issues. Scary stuff.
If you’re old enough to remember mix tapes then you have an idea how long ago it was. A friend made me a tape full of inspiring songs by women songwriters. It helped me focus on the relationship between gratitude and peace of mind. One song that made me feel particularly hopeful was Waterfall by Chris Williamson. Especially this part:
Filling up and spilling over
It’s an endless waterfall
Filling up and spilling over
Over all.
The image of an endless waterfall feels so much more abundant and less burned out than over-caffeinated busy-ness, doesn’t it?
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You can download a free chapter of Imagine Self-Love or click here to buy it on Amazon. Reba Linker’s self-love e-course, “9 Self-Love Keys to Change Your Life,” is at the Daily OM on a pay what you wish basis! Jump in here: http://bit.ly/1QwuEMP
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15 Comments
Debby Carroll
Lovely post. Endless Waterfall, very nice image.
Reba Linker
Thank you Andrea – I love reading your response to Imagine Self-Love and I’m so happy that that exercise spoke to you and reminded you of the importance of self-care. I am very grateful to you for your engagement with the material and support of the message of the journal! Blessings, Reba
Andrea
A friend shared my post in a private group for anti-violence advocates. I hope this particular group takes extra good care of themselves.
Lisa Hutchison
It is interesting how we push our boundaries when we most need self-care. I am adding in extra self care for myself this week. A great message Andrea and good luck with your book Reba!
Suzie Cheel
Love the poem and so true xxoo
Melissa Rapoport
Love the imagery of a endless waterfall — abundant, powerful, soothing. I’ll incorporate it in tomorrow’s morning mediation! You and Reba are a source of inspiration! xo
Nadia Shana Krauss
So so important !!! I am very passionate and fierce about two things 1.) No woman should ever feel strained, drained or running on empty 2.) And no woman should ever feel like she cannot make the choices that are necessary to invite in self-love-leadership! Halleluja to amazing books and movements like this. Yay!
Pamela Thompson
Thanks Andrea. Such a powerful post! Thanks for sharing your wisdom, the waterfall image and the link to Reba’s free chapter on Self-Love. This is so important to all of us busy and high achieving women!
Sheila Callaham
Great post! I think that sometimes we women think we are the endless water flowing over all until we start running on empty and end up ill. Thanks for sharing Reba’s book — it looks like an inspiring read!
Zeenat {PositiveProvocations.com}
Love the beautiful energy of this post Andrea! That waterfall just sucked me in 🙂
Much Love and light,
Z~
Peggy Nolan
when I was working with women in the stepmom role, I became known as The Self-Care Queen. It’s still my main focus. Teaching a seminar on self-care tomorrow 🙂
Andrea
It’s one of the reasons I’m crazy about you! <3
nachziger
I am now going to think of powerful beautiful waterfalls when I need to be lifted up. I love that analogy because the waterfalls I have seen filled me with love and serenity and when we are empty that is usually what we need or at least I need. Cheers
Andrea
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you for taking the time.
Psychic Nest
Hi Andrea,
Beautiful and thoughtful post. I admire Reba, she’s a wonderful person. Thank you both for making this world a better place!
Zaria