Starting at the physical level, we could talk about eating healthy foods, getting plenty of fresh air and exercise, and sleeping and resting well. Peeling another layer away, are the notions around fulfilling work, positive mental challenges to stay sharp, nurturing, supportive relationships and healthy boundaries. Further, we could consider spiritual growth and the process of self-inquiry as part of self-care. In short: caring for yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Sounds like a tall order.

Unfortunately, there's not a one-size-fits-all prescription for taking care of yourself. And what's even more challenging is that the recipe for today might not suit you two months or years down the road. So it seems to me a worthy question-or series of questions- to keep on the table, for regular review.

Even the easy ones can be more challenging than they appear: how are your diet/exercise/sleep habits? When you consider these answers, you might also take into consideration how you treat yourself in these areas: is food a punishment/reward system? Is your diet so tightly controlled and stringent that you've lost the pleasure of eating? Are meals savored, or rushed? Same for exercise: do you enjoy the activities you engage in, or are they just items on the to-do list? Where is the line between pushing yourself in a healthy way and hurting yourself? Are you sleeping well because you fall into bed at night completely exhausted, because you don't take enough time to just rest during your days?

What about work and relationships? How do you feel about saying no, when there's really too much on your plate already? How are you doing with asking for help when you need it? Are you honest and open in your relationships-- and with yourself about those relationships? Do you make enough time for yourself, as well as with all of the people you love?

And finally, how are you cultivating the inner soil? A healthy body is great. We all hope to keep a sound mind. But what you are doing, on a daily basis, to connect with something greater than yourself-- whatever that means to you. How are you filling up and what are you giving back? Ultimately, this is where true and lasting fulfillment is found.

As you look at some of those questions, consider that taking care of yourself is just making choices that lead to a better quality of life, happiness, simplicity, ease, grace. Make a good choice for yourself today. Just one. And then tomorrow is another day.

Peace,

Jill