Keith JonesJune 10, 2016

I’ve had the privilege of being around some amazing people over the last ten years. I met them in our workshops and learned their stories over the course of our shared journeys. They blessed my life in so many ways. Some stayed connected. Others moved on. In both cases, the people who are healthiest and happiest are those who made self-care a daily commitment. These individuals inspire me.

How can you tell someone is taking care of themselves? First, it’s important to define self-care. I believe  it is a commitment to oneself to be healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This promise permeates throughout a person’s total being. It’s in the way you love and treat your body. You eat foods that contain healthy goodness in every bite. You drink fluids that heal and restore each cell. And you create a peaceful environment to sleep in nightly that rejuvenates you for the next day.

Self-care of the mind involves cultivating a beginner’s mindset where you’re  eager to learn and open to possibilities. Your attitude is one of striving for excellence in your efforts. You are disciplined in the pursuit of your goals. If your commitment is to exercise and eat healthy daily, you do so. The promises to yourself are non negotiable. And lastly, perfection is not the target. Growth is so you embrace obstacles and failures as opportunities to grow. It’s not win or lose. It’s win and learn.

Emotional self-care means learning to lead your life from a place of love. When you root yourself in love, all the fruit from your tree is filled with love. The things you say to yourself are kind and empowering. When you talk to people, your words are filled with humanity. If you speak about others to another, you do so in a tone that is free of judgment. You lift them up, rather than tear them now. You only allow positive, loving energy into your space. And because you’re rooted in love, feelings like anger, betrayal, blame, guilt, shame and resentment can’t touch you. You rise above them by daily feeding your soul with inspiring reading, heroic media and healthy friendships.

Spiritual self-care is where you work to live moment to moment at your personal best. You ask yourself at every turn, “Is this my best? Was that my best?”  If the answer is yes, continue on the path. If the answer is no, quickly apologize to yourself and others for not honoring the moment by giving your best. Spiritual self-care is a life long journey and commitment to separate your higher self from your ego so you can live your purpose while serving others. You can tell the people who lead their lives this way. They empathize, rather than judge. They see only the good in others. They accept people for who they are and bring out the best in them. They are forgiving in nature and loving in spirit. Their purpose is one that changes the lives around them.

I encourage you to make self-care the number one priority in your life. We are here a short time. To make the most of it and get everything good out of life, be kind to your body, disciplined in developing a stronger mindset, committed to feeling and expressing loving emotions and relentless in being your spiritual personal best from moment to moment.

Stronger Mindset,

Keith