Many of my major life shifts came while I was on a retreat.
Whether it was spending eight hours alone at a friend's house unplugged, surrounded by my sketchpad, colored pencils and Wisdom cards, circling up to dialogue with men and women who were defining the next stage of their lives, or gathering with "sisters" at a yoga & wellness center in the mountains to hear what our "Wise Selves" had to share--these retreats or pauses from everyday life, had a profound impact on who I am today.
This Mother’s Day win a Yummy Mummy Year-of-Self-Care Retreat Package and enjoy relaxation, nurturing, nourishment, empowering coaching and inspiration for an entire year!
The amazing giveaway--which is open to all "women who nurture"--whether that's students, children, pets or plants--includes:
■An all-expenses paid trip to life balance author Renee Trudeau’s New Way of Being: Women’s Self-Renewal Retreat at Kripalu Yoga & Wellness Center in the MA Berkshires mountains (includes program registration, all meals and lodging--airfare excluded); Value: $900
■A Personal Renewal Group Starter Kit: includes a Personal Renewal Group Facilitator Membership (learn more) and 10 copies of The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life Value: $749
■A personalized, high-level coaching session with one of our nationally-recognized Senior RTA Career/Life Coaches --Angela Estes or Sarina LaMarche--via phone; Value: $225
■A registration to the highly popular New Way of Being Telecourse with Renee Trudeau; Value: $99
■ A vintage yoga soft, organic cotton Live Inside Out or I Choose Love t-shirt-- sizes are limited; Value: $20
■One-year supply of delicious and delightful Mighty Leaf Tea (various flavors); Value: $250
■ Beautiful hand-made string of 108 beaded Gemstone Serenity Beads for prayer or meditation from Renee's friend/wellness teacher Elizabeth Irvine. Use these beads as a touchstone throughout your day to promote peace and serenity; Value: $250
Total package value: $2700
How to win? It's easy-breezy! From May 6th-12th, "Like us" on Live Inside Out Facebook and share your answer under the comments section below to “What does self-care mean to you?” We’ll draw a winner at random on Mother’s Day!
Questions? Additional details here. Or mail info@reneetrudeau.com or visit www.ReneeTrudeau.com. Learn more about the practice of self-care here.
I love to hear from, connect with and meet The Journey readers at our events. I invite you to:
- Find Your Tribe: Join or learn to facilitate Personal Renewal Groups for women
- Attend a retreat/event including my June 8th Empowered Entrepreneur and June 22-24 Kripalu retreat;check out all upcoming events
- Learn about Live Inside Out and receive weekly inspiration on our Live Inside Out Facebook Community
- Pick up my life balance title The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal from the library or buy it here or at your local bookstore
- Read past issues of my Life Balance newsletter or Career Management newsletter
- Take Action: Contact one of our career or life balance coaches for 1-on-1 support; receive an initial complimentary consultation
- Empower Others: Schedule Renee for a private workshop or retreat for your company or organization
- I Choose Love PSA: a reminder that when we come from love--one of the most powerful yet underutilized forces on the planet--we have the ability to transcend fear and remember what we're really hear to do: give and receive love. Learn more.
Photo: Some of the beautiful, soulful women that attended my recent Women's Self-Renewal Retreat at Esalen in Big Sur, CA. Think retreats are not your thing? Think again.
277 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 277 of 277My seven and half years of being a Mama to three beautiful children. The past year and half has really made me revise what self care was and that I needed it to be a better parent because I was going down a dark hole.
Doing Acupuncture, getting more sleep, eating healthy, owning my emotions, on my second year of Evolve with Carrie Contey, meeting with her after my first was 4 years old, so I guess I have been working on this self care thing for 3 years now. Setting up sitters so we could do date nights or to help me during the witching hour when my husband is traveling or if I want a GNO.
I feel that I am on the right journey to evolve into the person I am meant to become. I want to break the cycles I was brought up with over my childhood.
Self-care to me means planfully making sure my oxygen mask is on and functioning well before I try to save my family and the rest of the world. Totally love your materials and teaching, Renee and Sarina!
Self-care means noticing when I
am not caring for, listening to and nurturing myself. When I do practice self-care, I am attuned to my needs and desires on a minute-to-minute basis, just like I am to my child. And just like my child, I don't always get to indulge them right away, but I know I need to make the time to attend to them. Only then can I bring my entire being to all my relationships.
Self care means being by myself for a minutes or hours and losing myself in a book, gardening or listening to music. I get energy from being alone and once I learned that about myself, so much more made sense!
To take care of myself in small ways on a daily basis... through meditation, eating well, exercising, reading and remembering to take the time for getting in touch with my true self.
For me it means to surrender to who I really am, get out of my own way to be open to others and take every opportunity to see and add to the big picture.
Self care means that sometimes you have to put yourself first. It's okay to push your mom guilt, self guilt, wife guilt, any guilt aside and do something for YOU, instead of always doing everything for others. Self care means having the strength to say NO when you're overwhelmed, or you've taken on too much. It's about realizing your limits, when you need a break, or time to relax, or a getaway- and giving that to yourself. :)
What does self-care mean to me?
It means focusing on living my best life. When I incorporate self-care into my life, I am a better human, mama, wife, family member, and worker. Self care enables to expand from a good state into an amazing state of mind and appreciation for everything I have in my life.
caring for self.... or self care... holding some time for myself each day for silence, nourishing my body with positive fuel, hydrate for life. Love what I am glorious at doing and able to do freely. Enjoy challenges as they come. Self care provides me with the ability to give to others with out guilt or regret~ I am loving this!
what self-care means to me: connecting to moments that ground and replenish; nourishing body and soul with clean food and expressive movement; keeping my heart open and remembering to breathe.
Self care always starts with reconnecting with my breath. It is then about being present with how I am feeling, getting outside, watching my dog soak in the moment, eating wonderful food, taking warm baths, going to yoga or simply being ok with doing nothing at all. After a hard couple of years, self care has become an evolving process. It helps me to learn about myself in a new way each day.
To me, self-care means allowing time in my life for flow—those moments where time stops and you are completely absorbed in the preciousness of the present moment, such as when I’m dancing with my six-year old, hiking in nature, coaching, writing or connecting with friends. Flow moments help me find inner stillness and peace, so that when the crazy comes—and you know it’s coming—I have a calm happy place that grounds me.
As a lifelong caregiver to others, for me the challenge of self-care has been to disassociate it from the word selfish. At nearly 50, I have finally embraced the notion that I am no good to anyone if I am not good to myself. I eat a very healthy diet now, and try to set aside time for yoga in the morning. Most importantly, I refuse to feel guilty about taking care of myself!
Thank you for your wonderful insight and giveaway offer.
Nancy
Ah, for me Self care is a combination of a few things... however the glue that holds them all together is ACCEPTANCE! Here and now, accepting how where I am in life, in the moment, and how I look and feel.
Proper nourishment is imperative, great food and beverages that make my body feel alive and powerful = JOY! And finally, my yoga practice is imperative in my daily self care. Pranayama, asana, meditation these are all necessary in making me feel like the cared for individual I want to be! OMMMMMM! :)
It means letting go of "thinking" myself into being and simply allowing myself to feel physically and emotionaly all that arises within this mind and body which is my "home" for this lifes journey. Embrace all who arrive at your door, welcome it in for all (positive and negative)have gifts they bring.....and breathe
Anita Bevans -It means letting go of "thinking" myself into being and simply allowing myself to feel physically and emotionaly all that arises within this mind and body which is my "home" for this lifes journey. Embrace all who arrive at your door, welcome it in for all (postsitive and negative) have gifts they bring.....and breathe
Self care to me is listening to the positive voice in my head and quieting the negative. It means speaking out for myself and what I believe is important. Self care is doing what I love and surrounding myself with people with positive energy. It's taking time to slow down and enjoy my life as it is at this moment.
Tying up loose ends means getting ready to spend the weekend doing my art, interacting with my family, and hoping to drown-out all of the "do this and do thats". My self-care comes through painting (Oriental Painting and watercolors) and photography. Those are the things that help to restore my soul. However, it seems there is never enough time to spend on them.
I think self-care means self-love. Being a women's life after divorce expert, I know that women tend to put themselves last when it comes to their list of needs. I have learned that self-love is the first step on the road to positive recovery and reinvention after divorce. The more fulfilled you are, the better your are at taking care of the others who depend on you for their needs.
For me self care is taking time to be still, to just breathe, listen to my body and my inner voice, trusting my intuition.
Self-care means honoring my experience in the moment and then doing whatever it takes to feel more balanced- sometimes I have limited options but there's usually something on the mental menu that will do the trick: a walk, a snuggle, a snack, or some solitude are some typical options for me.
Self care for me starts with honestly recognizing and articulating my own emotions and state of being. Then I can tend to myself -- through solitude or companionship, meditation or fun, exercise or going out for a glass of wine. I need to take on the first step in order to then give myself what I really need at any given time...
today, self-care means doing my morning minutes, watching something inspiring, bloggingbloggingblogging, + breathing in-between. :)
Self-care means going for a run, even when the house is a complete disaster; taking a hot bath, even when I feel like I don't have time; and allowing myself to indulge in the little things that bring happiness to my day.
Self-care means balance—letting go when you need to, and reaching out for a little extra help to guide your path. For me, it also means taking time each day to "aim my boat" and think about where I want to go, and how I want to get there.
Self Care: Learning to give yourself what you NEED and DESERVE as well as treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated
"You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection."
~Buddha
What does self-care mean to me? It means speaking kindly to myself, spending time with my circle of close girlfriends, setting my intention every morning before getting out bed, drinking lots of water and asking for help.
Thanks for all the great shares, I have loved reading these! My ten year-old son will be drawing the winner's name on Saturday evening before we head out for Indian food and we'll announce the winner on Sunday. Make sure you have joined our Live Inside Out Facebook community (necessary to be entered to win: www.facebook.com/liveinsideout) and tell your friends they've got 2more days to reflect, share and join in the fun! Renee
Self care begins by approaching each day, each moment, with an open heart and an open mind.
Self-care primarily means to me taking the time to look inward to listen and assess how I am doing on all levels (e.g., physically, mentally and spiritually).
Self care means listening to the true self and the inner voice that leads to connection with the beautiful expanse within...
to me self care means taking the space to listen to the signals of the body, mind and soul -- to allow the inner expanse into life...
Self care means living gently and kindly, but also intentionally; to be and do my best but to give myself the best as well in terms of balance, joy, self care and love.
Self care for me means taking time to rest, create, laugh and listen to my heart. Taking the time so I can come back to my family feeling alive.
Self care to me means asking for support when I need it as the mom of 3 who runs a successful business. I ask my nanny for extra hours, my friends for playdates, my sitter for a date night, my husband for extra support picking up kids. And, I work hard to get everything done by 8 when my kids go to bed so I can watch TV/movie or read a novel.
When I am engaged in regular self-care then I am modeling self-respect for my children and spouse and am more gentle and compassionate in my interactions with them. Unfortunately, I do not regularly engage in self-care due to financial and time constraints.
Self-care to me is time alone, with myself, where the only voice I hear is my inner-knowingness. It is time to fill my heart and connect with my spirit, so I can be the calm and grounded mother my children deserve. It is time to refresh and gain clarity on what I want as a person.
Self care to me means that I don't have to do for anyone else in the family. That I get me excercise and rest.
To me self-care means striving to keep a balance in all areas of my life, taking time to relax, renew & rejuvenate my soul & spirit.
To me self-care means making my self a priority and taking care of myself so I can continue to give to those I love. Taking care of myself is a gift to my loved ones, because it enables me to be my best self in relationship with them.
Self care is about taking the time to do those things that nurture and sustain me. It means listening to my inner voice, being attuned to what my priorities are, and consciously taking steps to put those priorities first. For me that means making sure I get to my dance and yoga classes each week, spending time in nature, meditating, pursuing my new found love of drumming, and engaging in joy filled activities with friends and family.
Self care is about taking the time to do those things that nurture and sustain me. It means listening to my inner voice, being attuned to what my priorities are, and consciously taking steps to put those priorities first. For me that means making sure I get to my dance and yoga classes each week, spending time in nature, meditating, pursuing my new found love of drumming, and engaging in joy filled activities with friends and family.
Self care means listening to my inner voice and then following that voice instead of being lead by the ideas and wishes of others.
Self-care means having the wisdom to open your eyes and ears, heart and mind, so that you can pay attention to who God made you to be; and then having the courage to BE HER.
Self care for me means taking the time to do my art everyday, and knowing that I am worth the time.
Is enjoying the moment! As mothers day dawns, self care for me is not feeling guilty for spending it nourishing myself an my needs rather then spending it how others feel I should. Taking the day for me and doing what I want to do. Alone!! A
The ultimate self-care practice is the practice of self-compassion....being gentle and accepting where I am and what I am feeling without judgement
Self care is about taking the time to do those things that nurture and sustain me. It means listening to my inner voice, being attuned to what my priorities are, and consciously taking steps to put those priorities first. For me that means making sure I get to my dance and yoga classes each week, spending time in nature, meditating, pursuing my new found love of drumming, and engaging in joy filled activities with friends and family.
Self care is about taking the time to do those things that nurture and sustain me. It means listening to my inner voice, being attuned to what my priorities are, and consciously taking steps to put those priorities first. For me that means making sure I get to my dance and yoga classes each week, spending time in nature, meditating, pursuing my new found love of drumming, and engaging in joy filled activities with friends and family.
Self care means taking care of all aspects of me - emotional, physical and spiritual - so that I may create balance in my life, and the life of my family.
Self-care is a practice, much like yoga and mothering. We practice self-care through compassionate thoughts about who we are and what we do, and by allowing ourselves to be loved and prioritizing our well-being. Self-care manifests our self-actualization and elevates our thoughts and actions toward others and the world around us.
Self-care to me means allowing your heart, actions, thoughts - your smile - your whole inner being - to be open to and accepting of exactly what those two words are saying to you: 'care for [your] self.
Self-care means making the conscious choice and taking deliberate actions that continue to expand my experience of joy and self-love...from scheduling my days with more time so I can move slower to self-pleasuring regularly to slathering glitter lotion all over my body before I go in to work a 12-hour shift as a nurse.
S sleep enough
E eat well
L let intuition guide me
F feel my heart
C create beauty
A awareness
R reschedule
E ease tension through breath
Self care to me means survival! I have 5 kids, go to school full time, and own a small business - if I didn't know how to take care of me, life may fall apart. It took me many years into parenthood to understand how important it is to a family to have momma happy and recharged.
Self care is about learning to truly nourish ourselves, body, mind and spirit. It is about eating whole foods that have a healing effect on the body. It is about listening to our body and moving it in kind and gentle ways. It is about taking time to feed the mind but also giving it time to rest. It is about doing things in life that make us feel good about ourselves.
Self-care means listening to and loving myself as deeply and non-judgmentally as I do with others. It means honoring myself and loving me exactly as I am - warts and all. I get there the deepest when I am in retreat.
I think we need self care reform, before health care reform! To me, it means peace and quiet, being grateful, appreciating the wonder and beauty of everyday life, being present, eating beautiful food, moving in a joyful way, relaxing and laughing and tickling with my son after I've recharged my own batteries!
Self care to me mean taking a nap when I need one and not pushing myself to hard.
For me self-care means that I stand behind what I need in order to express my deepest gifts into the world. Self-care means that I am able to give my child the gift of ALL of me.
What does self-care mean to me?
Self-care means keeping my mental/physical refreshed and energized. I am an introverted person and I tend to find energy in being alone with quiet time to reflect.
I have two children (4 and 1) and am a SAHM and full time student. I struggle with self-care but I think for me it is in doing things like Yoga (which does amazing things for me both mentally and physically) and in eating healthy. I never believed diet had so much effect on me until recently. I also love to read and research. If I can drift away into a book or lose myself in some research it is rejuvenating to me.
Without a doubt, to me self-care means loving myself and connecting with a higher source.
Putting myself first. Honoring my needs. Listening to my body. Taking time for me.
Self care means doing something for yourself. I had a difficult time when my boys were babies doing anything for myself. I finally gave up the guilt and put myself first on occasion. This enabled me to be a better wife, mother, daughter and friend.
Self care means doing something for yourself. I had a difficult time doing it when my boys were babies. I finally gave up the guilt and started doing things for myself. It made me a better wife, mother, daughter and friend. I
Self care means time to read, do yoga and learn from people like Renee.
Huge thanks to all of you who shared your replies to "What does self-care mean to me" on my blog The Journey (www.ReneeTrudeau.com/blog). You can read highlights from the shares and meet the winner if you visit the site. We'd love to stay in touch! Please join our Live Inside Out Facbook tribe at www.facebook.com/liveinsideout.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Kripalu June 22-24 retreat. With love and gratitude--Renee
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