Spring is a Time for New Beginnings & Self-Care - Rachel Devine
Spring is a time for new growth and new beginnings. The daffodils bloom in early spring, along with the blossoms on the Magnolia tree, and the dogwood comes to life. Spring is a time for renewal. As they say, there is a time for every purpose under heaven. The seasons remind us that life does come back after being dormant for the winter. So, what about you? Is it time for your renewal? Is it time for you to spring ahead? Is spring a time to start some self-care practices?
When I was in a relationship many years ago, I was struggling to get my partner’s attention with all the issues he had in his life. I would try to help him out with different aspects of his life. When the relationship ended I realized that all the effort I put in the relationship was in vain and left me feeling drained. So, I took a week off from work and directed all of my own attention on myself. It was a way to build my self-esteem and it was also the start of self-care. I bought myself flowers, got a manicure/pedicure, bought a new outfit, went to a singles barbecue, got my hair done and had the best week ever. At the end of that week, I felt so loved, happy and content, the way I should have felt in the relationship. More importantly, my self-esteem was at an all time high, because I valued myself enough to do all these wonderful self-care practices.
Let’s look at ways to start this spring with self-care and renewal:
Spring is a time for new growth and new beginnings. The daffodils bloom in early spring, along with the blossoms on the Magnolia tree, and the dogwood comes to life. Spring is a time for renewal. As they say, there is a time for every purpose under heaven. The seasons remind us that life does come back after being dormant for the winter. So, what about you? Is it time for your renewal? Is it time for you to spring ahead? Perhaps spring is a time to start some self-care practices. Just like the caterpillar morphs into a beautiful butterfly, you can also transform into your beautiful self.
Let’s look at ways to start this spring with self-care and renewal:
Self-Care
Self-care is very understated in our society, especially for women, who generally care about everyone around them but themselves. This leaves little time for self-care. However, self-care is crucial because we want to be in a good state to help others. As the old saying goes, if the plane is going down, put the oxygen mask on yourself, because if you don't, you can’t help anyone else. Therefore, self-care is important, and it’s really good to know that, unless you have little children, the only person you are responsible for is yourself. That is very liberating to acknowledge. Also, when you practice self-care you are building on your self-esteem.
Self-care routine
Here are some ways to bring self-care into your world:
Pamper yourself with a massage or a nice relaxing bath.
Take time to meditate, pray, or walk in nature.
Spend money on yourself from time to time, or buy yourself flowers.
Eat healthy and exercise as often as you can.
Say no and set boundaries when someone takes advantage of your time.
Schedule time to relax just for you, and don’t let anyone infringe on that time.
Take a relaxing trip as a way to recharge your batteries, even if it’s just for the weekend.
Take a course that will enlighten you or make you feel happy.
Sit in a room with scented candles in order to relax your inner world.
Benefits of self-care
It prevents stress and overextending yourself.
It helps your mental state to be clear and calm.
It helps your overall health.
It helps with inner healing from the past.
It helps you relax more.
It helps you feel more confident in yourself.
It helps you feel happy and valued.
Self-care builds on your self-esteem.
Inner healing and self-care
Self-care is the catalyst for inner healing. When we take care of ourselves, it helps heal past wounds of being taken advantage of. It can also be the start of a new way of living that will enhance your life. Self-care is not selfish; it’s a way to pamper yourself and be good to yourself. The message you give yourself when you pamper yourself is, “I am worth it.” Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Sure, you can still be there for others' sake, but it’s important to also be there for yourself. Inner healing really does start with self-care practices, as one will eventually gravitate toward ways to heal from past issues.
Inner child healing
Your inner child has had past wounds inflicted on him or her whether you realize it or not. Whenever you do an act of kindness for yourself, you do that act of kindness for your inner child, who is a very real part of you. The more you nurture your inner child with self-care practices, the more you will gravitate towards a better relationship with yourself and those around you. It’s imperative to treat yourself the way you want to be treated by others. The energy we put out into the world comes back to us.
In closing, I want to remind you that taking care of yourself is the single most important thing you can do in life. It is a way to let your inner child know that you are going to be there for him or her and nurture and care for them. That message alone will help you feel happier, along with all the benefits from self-care practices directed towards you. Your relationship with yourself is the most important relationship you have in life. Doesn’t it make sense to treat yourself with love and kindness? If you do, love and kindness will trickle down to all your relationships. Therefore, I urge you to step outside of the daily routine and consider doing a few of the self-care suggestions so you are on your way to a happier and more content life.
Rachel Devine is the author of a new book, Discover the Power of the Secret Within - Healing your Inner Child to Manifest your Dreams.
Spring is a Time for New Beginnings & Self-Care - Rachel Devine
Spring is a time for new growth and new beginnings. The daffodils bloom in early spring, along with the blossoms on the Magnolia tree, and the dogwood comes to life. Spring is a time for renewal. As they say, there is a time for every purpose under heaven. The seasons remind us that life does come back after being dormant for the winter. So, what about you? Is it time for your renewal? Is it time for you to spring ahead? Is spring a time to start some self-care practices?
When I was in a relationship many years ago, I was struggling to get my partner’s attention with all the issues he had in his life. I would try to help him out with different aspects of his life. When the relationship ended I realized that all the effort I put in the relationship was in vain and left me feeling drained. So, I took a week off from work and directed all of my own attention on myself. It was a way to build my self-esteem and it was also the start of self-care. I bought myself flowers, got a manicure/pedicure, bought a new outfit, went to a singles barbecue, got my hair done and had the best week ever. At the end of that week, I felt so loved, happy and content, the way I should have felt in the relationship. More importantly, my self-esteem was at an all time high, because I valued myself enough to do all these wonderful self-care practices.
Let’s look at ways to start this spring with self-care and renewal:
Spring is a time for new growth and new beginnings. The daffodils bloom in early spring, along with the blossoms on the Magnolia tree, and the dogwood comes to life. Spring is a time for renewal. As they say, there is a time for every purpose under heaven. The seasons remind us that life does come back after being dormant for the winter. So, what about you? Is it time for your renewal? Is it time for you to spring ahead? Is spring a time to start some self-care practices?
When I was in a relationship many years ago, I was struggling to get my partner’s attention with all the issues he had in his life. I would try to help him out with different aspects of his life. When the relationship ended I realized that all the effort I put in the relationship was in vain and left me feeling drained. So, I took a week off from work and directed all of my own attention on myself. It was a way to build my self-esteem and it was also the start of self-care. I bought myself flowers, got a manicure/pedicure, bought a new outfit, went to a singles barbecue, got my hair done and had the best week ever. At the end of that week, I felt so loved, happy and content, the way I should have felt in the relationship. More importantly, my self-esteem was at an all time high, because I valued myself enough to do all these wonderful self-care practices.
Let’s look at ways to start this spring with self-care and renewal:
Self-Care
Self-care is very understated in our society, especially for women, who generally care about everyone around them but themselves. This leaves little time for self-care. However, self-care is crucial because we want to be in a good state to help others. As the old saying goes, if the plane is going down, put the oxygen mask on yourself, because if you don't, you can’t help anyone else. Therefore, self-care is important, and it’s really good to know that, unless you have little children, the only person you are responsible for is yourself. That is very liberating to acknowledge. Also, when you practice self-care you are building on your self-esteem.
Self-care routine
Here are some ways to bring self-care into your world:
Pamper yourself with a massage or a nice relaxing bath.
Take time to meditate or walk in nature.
Spend money on yourself from time to time, or buy yourself flowers.
Eat healthy and exercise as often as you can.
Say no and set boundaries when someone takes advantage of your time.
Schedule time to relax just for you, and don’t let anyone infringe on that time.
Take a relaxing trip as a way to recharge your batteries, even if it’s just for the weekend.
Take a course that will enlighten you or make you feel happy.
Sit in a room with scented candles in order to relax your inner world.
Benefits of self-care
It prevents stress and overextending yourself.
It helps your mental state to be clear and calm.
It helps your overall health.
It helps with inner healing from the past.
It helps you relax more.
It helps you feel more confident in yourself.
It helps you feel happy and valued.
Self-care builds on your self-esteem.
Inner healing and self-care
Self-care is the catalyst for inner healing. When we take care of ourselves, it helps heal past wounds of being taken advantage of. It can also be the start of a new way of living that will enhance your life. Self-care is not selfish; it’s a way to pamper yourself and be good to yourself. Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Sure, you can still be there for others' sake, but it’s important to also be there for yourself. Inner healing really does start with self-care practices, as one will eventually gravitate toward ways to heal from past issues.
Inner child healing
Your inner child has had past wounds inflicted on him or her whether you realize it or not. Whenever you do an act of kindness for yourself, you do that act of kindness for your inner child, who is a very real part of you. The more you nurture your inner child with self-care practices, the more you will gravitate towards a better relationship with yourself and those around you.
In closing, I want to remind you that taking care of yourself is the single most important thing you can do in life. It is a way to let your inner child know that you are going to be there for him or her and nurture and care for them. That message alone will help you feel happier, along with all the benefits from self-care practices directed towards you. You relationship with yourself is the most important relationship you have in your life. Doesn’t it make sense to treat yourself with love and kindness? If you do, love and kindness will trickle down to all your relationships. Therefore, I urge you to step outside of the daily routine and consider doing a few of the self-care suggestions so you are on your way to a happier and more content life.
Rachel Devine is the author of a new book, Discover the Power of the Secret Within - Healing your Inner Child to Manifest your Dreams.
A Self-Care Blueprint for the Introverted Woman - Contributor, Marjorie McMillian
This article is about self-care for the introvert and show ways to optimize your life.
In a world that often celebrates the extroverted, finding solace in introversion can feel like a solitary journey. Yet, for you, the introverted woman, embracing this aspect of your identity can be the first step toward crafting a self-care routine that speaks to the depths of your soul. Tailoring your self-care practices to meet your unique needs is not just beneficial—it's essential for your growth and well-being. In this article, courtesy of Devine Intervention-Inner Healing Center, we’ll go over several ways you can take care of your overall wellness as an introvert.
Carve Out Time for Solitude
For you, solitude is not loneliness but a sanctuary where you find strength and clarity. Dedicate time each day to be alone with your thoughts, whether that means wandering through nature's tranquility or diving into the pages of a book that speaks to your heart. These moments of solitude are your time to disconnect from the world's noise and connect deeply with yourself, fostering an environment where self-reflection leads to personal growth and rejuvenation.
Establish and Communicate Boundaries
Recognizing and communicating your need for solitude is a profound form of self-care. Assertively setting boundaries with those around you safeguards your energy and creates space for relationships that honor and respect your need for quiet. This practice strengthens your sense of self-respect and ensures that your social interactions enrich rather than deplete you. It’s a declaration of your worth and a step towards nurturing more meaningful connections.
Seek Support in Overcoming Challenges
Many introverts have a hard time asking for assistance. If you're navigating the complexities of addiction, remember, seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Alcohol rehabilitation centers offer the support and resources needed to overcome dependence, marking a crucial step in your self-care journey. Embracing this support not only signifies a commitment to your physical health but also to your emotional and psychological recovery, setting the foundation for a life of fulfillment and health.
Nurture Your Body with Proper Nutrition and Hydration
Caring for your body through mindful nutrition and hydration is a foundational act of self-love. Embrace a diet that fuels your body and soul, and make hydration a priority to maintain your energy and mood. The physical act of nourishing your body attentively can have a transformative effect on your overall well-being, empowering you to face each day with renewed vitality and a positive outlook.
Integrate Mindfulness into Your Daily Routine
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life opens the door to a deeper connection with yourself and the world. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga invite you to experience the present moment fully, fostering a sense of peace and reducing stress. By dedicating time to mindfulness, you cultivate a serene inner landscape, enhancing your emotional resilience and capacity for introspection.
Cultivate Self-Compassion
Extend to yourself the kindness and compassion you readily offer others. Recognize that imperfection is part of the shared human experience and allow yourself to celebrate the small victories on your journey. Practicing self-compassion lays the groundwork for personal growth and well-being, creating a nurturing internal dialogue that supports your journey toward self-acceptance and love.
Design Your Personal Sanctuary
Creating a personal sanctuary within your home offers a tangible retreat from the external world, a place where you can recharge and find peace. Fill this space with elements that soothe your senses, like soft textures, gentle music, and calming scents, crafting an environment that supports your well-being. This personal haven is a testament to your commitment to self-care, a physical space dedicated to your journey of self-discovery and relaxation.
Embracing your introverted nature and integrating these self-care strategies into your life invites a journey of self-discovery and personal fulfillment. Remember, self-care is not indulgence but a necessary practice for living a balanced and meaningful life. Let these strategies guide you toward a deeper understanding of yourself, enhancing your quality of life and empowering you to flourish in your unique way.
Devine Intervention-Inner Healing Center offers life coaching services as well as relationship tips and other wellness resources. Have a question for author Rachel Devine? Reach out today.
Special contributor - Marjorie McMillian - Website ‘Come on Get Well’.
Healing Your Inner Child with Affirmations: Change your Destiny - Rachel Devine
What are inner child affirmations?
Inner child affirmations are positive statements you direct toward your wounded inner child to transform old, limiting beliefs formed in childhood. You want to offset any negative thoughts from the past to positive ones. Our thoughts are engrained in our subconscious mind, that drives our life 95% of the time. Therefore, we want our subconscious to have positive thoughts. Joel Osteen says, “If you want to see what your future will be like, look at the words you are speaking today.” Our words are powerful and direct our lives and create our destiny. Let’s look at how we can use affirmations to change our destiny in life.
What are inner child affirmations?
Inner child affirmations are positive statements you direct toward your wounded inner child to transform old, limiting beliefs formed in childhood. You want to offset any negative thoughts from the past to positive ones. Our thoughts are engrained in our subconscious mind, that drives our life 95% of the time. Therefore, we want our subconscious to have positive thoughts. Joel Osteen says, “If you want to see what your future will be like, look at the words you are speaking today.” Our words are powerful and direct our lives and create our destiny. Let’s look at how we can use affirmations to change our destiny in life.
Inner child affirmations are key to success in life.
Examples of inner child affirmations
I am worthy of love and belonging.
I deeply accept and value who I am.
I am safe and protected.
I am loved by everyone I meet.
I am empowered by my own words.
As children, we absorbed negative messages about ourselves and the world around us. Left unaddressed, these can sabotage our happiness as adults. If affirmations are repeated daily for months, they can not only change the subconscious mind, they will help create your future. The key is to be consistent.
Changing your thoughts from negative to positive will steer your life in a positive direction and in turn change your destiny.
How do affirmations work?
Affirmations are short positive words. Repeated with sincerity and mindfulness, affirmations override years of negative conditioning, replacing messages in our head from a negative to a positive.
For example, you can flip the negative thoughts that invade your mind to positive thoughts:
“I am stupid and worthless.” change to "I am brilliant and worthy.”
“I am ugly.” change to “I am beautiful, inside and out."
“I don’t deserve good things.” change to “I am deserving of all good things.”
“I never succeed with my goals.” change to “I always succeed with my goals.”
“Nobody understands me.” change to “I am understood and loved.”
Inner child healing affirmations will change your whole life and help heal the wounded inner child.
Inner child healing affirmations
Here are some examples of empathetic, nurturing affirmations for your inner child:
I embrace, understand, and accept all parts of myself.
I release the burdens from my past. I am free and at peace.
I lovingly attend to my feelings and needs each day.
My life overflows with joyful blessings as I both give and receive.
I am filled with so much love that my cup overflows.
The Power of self-love transforms lives.
The Power of Self-Love
Commit to speaking affirmations aloud to yourself every morning and throughout your day. Make recordings to listen to as you walk or sleep. Before you fall asleep each night, say some positive affirmations. This is the most powerful time that you can penetrate the subconscious mind, as you fall asleep.
Over time, these words restructure neural networks, opening you to more positive perceptions, emotions, and possibilities. The key is to be consistent in continuing to direct loving words and thoughts to yourself. The more you love yourself, the more you heal from inner child wounds. Most importantly, affirm your precious inner child daily. Self-acceptance and self-compassion transform old feelings of unworthiness into an empowered, embodied spirit overflowing with love for yourself. It can literally transform your life.
In closing, remember, the words you speak and the thoughts you have are shaping your future. Our future will go in the direction that we steer it in. Destiny doesn’t just happen, destiny is in your hands and creating the future you want starts with positive, loving affirmations.
If you feel like you need help, I offer life coaching, and can help you with reparenting your inner child and other areas you may be struggling with in your life. I offer a free coaching session.
Rachel Devine is the author of a new inner child book called, Discover the Power of the Secret Within - Healing your Inner Child to Manifest your Dreams. This book is available now on Amazon.
Devine Intervention - Inner Healing Center.
If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Devine.
What does ‘Inner Child’ Mean? Understanding and Healing Your Inner Child.
You might hear about the inner child and see a blog and decide to pass over it. You may have a false image of what the inner child actually means. The reality is, we all have an inner child. Inner child is not some far out concept from the 90s, it’s a very real part of everyone’s life. It’s not something you can ignore forever, because it has a great impact and power over your life, whether you realize it or not. If you keep the pandora’s box of the inner child long enough, it will eventually cause untold conflict. So, the question begs, what is the inner child?
The inner child refers to the vulnerable, emotional part of one's personality that forms in early childhood. It contains our core feelings, needs, desires, fears, anger, and memories from the first years of life. Even as adults, this childlike part of us will emerge at times, especially when we feel threatened, anxious, or afraid. Recognizing and nurturing this inner child is key to our emotional wellbeing.
You might hear about the inner child and see a blog and decide to pass over it. You may have a false image of what the inner child actually means. The reality is, we all have an inner child. Inner child is not some far out concept from the 90s, it’s a very real part of everyone’s life. It’s not something you can ignore forever, because it has a great impact and power over your life, whether you realize it or not. If you keep the pandora’s box of the inner child long enough, it will eventually cause untold conflict. So, the question begs, what is the inner child?
The inner child refers to the vulnerable, emotional part of one's personality that forms in early childhood. It contains our core feelings, needs, desires, fears, anger, and memories from the first years of life. Even as adults, this childlike part of us will emerge at times, especially when we feel threatened, anxious, or afraid. Recognizing and nurturing this inner child is key to our emotional wellbeing.
First step is connect with your inner child.
How to Connect with Your Inner Child
Noticing intense emotions: Strong feelings like excessive anger, sadness, or shame often represent "tantrums" of an aching inner child. Pay close attention when this happens.
Identifying childlike desires: Cravings, especially for comforts like sweet or fried foods, can indicate the inner child is seeking to be nurtured. Another tell-tale sign of the inner child coming out in your life and why most of us can’t keep the weight off.
Being aware of regressive behaviors: Do you become especially needy around certain people or situations? This suggests the inner child feels endangered.
Intense anger for small infractions is tied to the inner child. If you get angry easily, at the slightest thing, you can pretty much bet it is coming from a past situation from childhood that is being triggered by the person or situation you are angry about.
Feelings of fears of abandonment in adult relationships are also a sign of triggers from past childhood wounds. If your partner is going away on a business trip and you feel fearful, that is from an old childhood wound.
Considering what "age" you feel: Specific situations may trigger memories of when you were 5, 10, or 15 years old. Pay attention to any pattern of anger or abandonment issues and when you first felt that way.
By stopping when big feelings surface and asking, "How old does this make me feel?" you can connect to this child part. These are all ways to recognize how your inner child causes havoc in your life. The goal is to heal the inner child.
How to soothe and comfort your inner child.
How to Soothe and Comfort Your Inner Child
Ways to nurture the inner child when painful emotions arise include:
Offer understanding through inner dialogue. Validate how the inner child might feel frightened, rejected, unseen, angry or unloved. Say, “You’re not alone. I hear you, and I’m here for you now.” Being there to reparent your inner child is a comfort.
Provide physical comfort: rock gently, wrap arms around yourself, or let hands rest protectively over your heart.
Engage the senses: hold a soft blanket or stuffed animal, sip warm herbal tea, or play soothing music. Allow your mind and body to relax.
Supply emotional support. Cradle the inner child in compassion, empathy, and patience. Say aloud reassuring statements like “You are so precious to me” or “You deserved better, and you have me now.”
Self-love equals self-care, especially for healing the inner child
Self-Care techniques
Self-care is essential to form a loving friendship with your inner child. Taking care of your adult needs is crucial.
Some of those self-care needs are simple:
Love
Companionship
Nourishment
Exercise
Rest and vacation time
Affirming words of comfort
Healthy meals
Hot bath or spa day
Having quiet time
Make a concerted effort for one full month to do extra special things for yourself and see how much that makes you feel loved and cared for.
The Power is in the Moment
The power of the moment
Most importantly, commit to showing up wholeheartedly for yourself, flaws and all. Living in the moment is crucial to being there for yourself. When you think about it, this moment is all we have. Shining this light of presence into the darkest recesses of your inner world illuminates pain built up over a lifetime. It can initiate so much inner child healing. With time, consistency, and courage, genuine self-care heals old wounds. Gradually, the fierce outbursts of an indignant inner child give way to the peaceful presence of your authentic self, emotional maturity, and personal power. You want to graduate to this state of being happy, rather than fight invisible emotional wounds from the past.
If you feel like you need help, I offer life coaching, and can help you with reparenting your inner child and other areas.
Rachel Devine is the author of a new inner child book called, Discover the Power of the Secret Within - Healing your Inner Child to Manifest your Dreams. This book is available now on Amazon.
Devine Intervention - Inner Healing Center.
If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Devine.