Sandra J. Filer joins Intuitive Living as the "Earth Angel Spotlight" for the month of October. Sandra a.k.a. The Happy Goddess is the owner of a delightful enterprise designed to help people live HAPPY by fully embracing their inner and outer beauty. Sandra has a Master’s Degree and 20+ years of experience in Corporate America with a good number of those years in Training & Development. She has had a Mary Kay business for 16 years with 6 years as a Sales Director. Sandra received her Heal Your Life® Teacher certification in May of 2006 (we were roommates for that training) and her Heal Your Life® Coach certification in May of 2009.
We live in a crazy busy multi-tasking Universe. We use the drive-thru, microwave, EZ pass lanes, and express check out. Our hand held devices allow us to talk, text, Google, Facetime, play games, and chart our path. Heck, we’ve become so incredibly busy that our smart phones actually come with a personal assistant, like Seri. We squeeze it in, work it in, stretch ourselves, and “find a way”. Yet, we are still grappling with a long list of things to do.
The time has arrived to stop the madness. The best health care is self-care. Let’s take a look at how to go from maxed out to blissed-out.
The concept of Radical Self-Care (or even putting the needs of yourself first), remains controversial. It can be viewed as selfish or self-centered. However, when we choose to treat ourselves with respect, we model to others how we want them to treat us. We become conscious beings engaged in life, operating from a space of authenticity and integrity. We have the courage to speak our truth and to say no. We make choices based on joy and purpose versus fear and obligation.
Embracing a life of radical self-care takes commitment. It takes patience, practice, and a decision to live this way. When you put radical self-care on the top of your to-do list, it will affect every single area of your life.
The time has arrived to stop the madness. The best health care is self-care. Let’s take a look at how to go from maxed out to blissed-out.
The concept of Radical Self-Care (or even putting the needs of yourself first), remains controversial. It can be viewed as selfish or self-centered. However, when we choose to treat ourselves with respect, we model to others how we want them to treat us. We become conscious beings engaged in life, operating from a space of authenticity and integrity. We have the courage to speak our truth and to say no. We make choices based on joy and purpose versus fear and obligation.
Embracing a life of radical self-care takes commitment. It takes patience, practice, and a decision to live this way. When you put radical self-care on the top of your to-do list, it will affect every single area of your life.
Before I go any further, let me be real. This may not be easy. As crazy as that may sound, this just doesn’t seem to come naturally. In fact, at first, it may feel really uncomfortable. Be patient. When you begin to make conscious choices to take better care of yourself, resistance may appear. It’s normal and natural.
One thing to consider is keeping a little pad of paper with you at all times. Have it close to jot down what you are feeling. Over time, you may see a pattern present itself. This awareness can aide you in moving through any discomfort. For example, maybe an inner-critic thinks this is all silly. You can thank that inner-critic for trying to protect you and then state out loud, “I thank you for your help and am choosing self-care. It feels good.” And through continued practice, it will feel good and the voice will slip away.
Here are some radical self-care ideas to immediately implement:
Mirror Work. This one thing can be a real game changer. It’s as simple as this, every time you look into the mirror, consciously choose to look deeply into your eyes. Choose to look beyond the physical aspects of yourself, focusing on a deeper connection. As you look into your eyes, say three simple words, plus your name. Those three words are: I LOVE YOU. “I love you, _______.” Notice how you feel and what you think. This may feel uncomfortable. You may feel self-conscious. You may not want to do it. It’s okay. If saying I love you doesn’t work quite yet, use the words “I am willing to love you.” Louise Hay, founder of Hay House Publishing is said to have popularized this technique.
Meditation or Just Some Plain and Simple Quiet Time. I can remember my mother saying, “I just need time to think!” As a child I found that so annoying. As an adult, leading a very active life, living with my honey and our many fur children, I can now totally relate. We all need down time. Meditation is wonderful. It has a vast array of benefits for your physical as well as mental well-being. If you are presently experiencing no quiet time whatsoever, how about starting with ten minutes?! Download a timer app, go someplace comfortable, close your eyes, set the timer, and just BE. While that may not sound radical, for anyone that has not done it, that first minute or so can feel like an hour. Just breathe through it.
Positive Self-Talk. This one is quite self-explanatory; yet, needs to be emphasized. Begin to speak only loving, kind, caring, and thoughtful words to yourself. “I am awesome.” “I am successful.” When you walk by a mirror, look at yourself and blow yourself a kiss. Sing to yourself. Hug yourself. Radical means taking it to the next level. Keep it positive and keep it coming.
The first three mentioned are the foundational elements of radical self-care. Now, let me share a list of some other smaller ideas:
One thing to consider is keeping a little pad of paper with you at all times. Have it close to jot down what you are feeling. Over time, you may see a pattern present itself. This awareness can aide you in moving through any discomfort. For example, maybe an inner-critic thinks this is all silly. You can thank that inner-critic for trying to protect you and then state out loud, “I thank you for your help and am choosing self-care. It feels good.” And through continued practice, it will feel good and the voice will slip away.
Here are some radical self-care ideas to immediately implement:
Mirror Work. This one thing can be a real game changer. It’s as simple as this, every time you look into the mirror, consciously choose to look deeply into your eyes. Choose to look beyond the physical aspects of yourself, focusing on a deeper connection. As you look into your eyes, say three simple words, plus your name. Those three words are: I LOVE YOU. “I love you, _______.” Notice how you feel and what you think. This may feel uncomfortable. You may feel self-conscious. You may not want to do it. It’s okay. If saying I love you doesn’t work quite yet, use the words “I am willing to love you.” Louise Hay, founder of Hay House Publishing is said to have popularized this technique.
Meditation or Just Some Plain and Simple Quiet Time. I can remember my mother saying, “I just need time to think!” As a child I found that so annoying. As an adult, leading a very active life, living with my honey and our many fur children, I can now totally relate. We all need down time. Meditation is wonderful. It has a vast array of benefits for your physical as well as mental well-being. If you are presently experiencing no quiet time whatsoever, how about starting with ten minutes?! Download a timer app, go someplace comfortable, close your eyes, set the timer, and just BE. While that may not sound radical, for anyone that has not done it, that first minute or so can feel like an hour. Just breathe through it.
Positive Self-Talk. This one is quite self-explanatory; yet, needs to be emphasized. Begin to speak only loving, kind, caring, and thoughtful words to yourself. “I am awesome.” “I am successful.” When you walk by a mirror, look at yourself and blow yourself a kiss. Sing to yourself. Hug yourself. Radical means taking it to the next level. Keep it positive and keep it coming.
The first three mentioned are the foundational elements of radical self-care. Now, let me share a list of some other smaller ideas:
- Choose the expensive toilet paper.
- Have flowers delivered to the office.
- Use paper money. You deserve big bills.
- Turn off your electronic devices periodically.
- Give yourself an entire day off every week.
- Use lotion.
- Practice saying no more often.
- Treat yourself to the Perrier. You are worth better bubbles.
- Lather up with the guest soap.
- Get a longer massage.
- Indulge in the sauna after your workout.
- Call in “sick” and treat yourself to a pajama day.
- Write yourself a love letter.
- Sign up for a retreat!
- Go ahead and have the Fetticini Alfredo, add lobster.
Bio:
Sandra J Filer, MBA, proprietress of The Happy Goddess® has an amazing zest for Life and infuses everything she does with this energy. “Happie G” is a vibrant artist, author, Goddess retreat creator/host, Heal Your Life Teacher-Teacher, Coach, and co-creator of the Self-emPOWERment PlayShop for Teens. She teaches workshops on radical self-care, creativity as a spiritual practice, and the Divine Feminine. Her Goddess Retreats are held several times a year on a magical island. www.thehappygoddess.com
Sandra J Filer, MBA, proprietress of The Happy Goddess® has an amazing zest for Life and infuses everything she does with this energy. “Happie G” is a vibrant artist, author, Goddess retreat creator/host, Heal Your Life Teacher-Teacher, Coach, and co-creator of the Self-emPOWERment PlayShop for Teens. She teaches workshops on radical self-care, creativity as a spiritual practice, and the Divine Feminine. Her Goddess Retreats are held several times a year on a magical island. www.thehappygoddess.com
