Extreme Self Care means making the decision to make decisions that honor your soul in your daily life.

One of my clients, Wendy (her name has changed) is a very successful designer. She felt overwhelmed, overcommitted, unhappy, unhealthy, and run over by her wealthy clients. When I asked her to pay attention to extreme grooming, she responded, “Iris, that’s too basic. It’s like telling a designer you need fabric.”

Once Wendy really focused on Extreme Self Care, she set more affirmative boundaries for life, focused on what was important to her, and put herself on her “to do” list. Her life became pleasant. Wendy has a lot of work, money and clients. She taught her clients to treat her with respect and let them know how soon her beautiful creations could be completed. She also restarted her love life and took some time to walk, contemplate and have fun.

Sometimes the basics are just what we need to get our balance back. There is a big difference between knowing what nourishes us and DOING those things of mind, body and soul that bring us back into balance.
be your best self

Think of self-care as the love you give yourself to be your best self.

Let’s look at the areas of self-care:

* Stress elimination

* Ambient

* Family

* Love relationships

* Health

* Emotional balance

* Ingestion: Food, water, drinks, vitamins, etc.

* Appearance

* Daily Rituals

* Spiritual Practices

* Laboral life

Kindness towards oneself is giving life to your best self

Extreme self-care in action

Now is your turn. Look at the ideas listed above. Pick 2-3 this week to speak to you. Let’s say you choose: Elimination of stress; Emotional Balance and Appearance.

Now, with each category, list 10 things that would be a heavenly comfort to you if you implemented those practices.

Here is an example:

Emotional balance:

1) Take a look at what I’m focusing on; 2) If my thoughts are angry, sad, worried, or scared…choose more uplifting thoughts to replace those thoughts; 3) Call a friend and ask them to just listen, support and be unconditionally constructive; 4) Take a walk in nature at least 3 times this week; 5) Write my feelings; 6) Take me dancing; 7) Sit with my feelings. Acknowledge and honor what I feel. Just be.; 8) Set stronger limits so others don’t “bague” me; 9) Play with my children.; 10) Open myself to love, joy, hope and fun!
Your turn
Set your intentions to make Extreme Self-Care a Priority.

Now, follow the steps listed above and enjoy the feeling of freedom, relaxation, happiness, and love as you use loving-kindness to bring out the best in yourself.

Copyright 2007, Iris Fanning. All rights reserved throughout the world. www.irisfanning.com [http://www.irisfanning.com] Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all links active, do not edit the article in any way, and credit the author’s name.