SELF CARE

Self care is so important to me. If you've read any of my previous posts, you'd probably know that. As much as I've mentioned it, I've never delved into my exact self care practices. That's what we'll talk about today, and for the rest of this month. Since this is the first post of March, I'll give a synopsis of why I practice self care, and for the next four posts of this month (Reminder: I post every Wednesday) I'll cover my four areas of self care individually — diet, movement, skin, and mental health.

WOW, am I excited for this month!

Throughout high school I really struggled with anxiety and I was CRAZY self-conscious. I tried everything — breathing exercises, holistic remedies, medical intervention. I tried everything, but Christ. I had to put aside my pride and go to Christ. After that I led such a healthier lifestyle, but I was still holding onto insecurities. I need to lose weight, my nose is so ugly, my voice is annoying. I couldn't find anything nice to say about myself. Those insecurities followed me from high school and into college. It wasn't until quarantine where I learned if I wanted to be physically healthier, I had to first address my mental/spiritual health*.

I hated most everything about my physical appearance. I held onto my insecurities with a tight grip, as if letting them go would mean I'd have to face a part of myself I didn't want to. I think I was okay to just be insecure because I knew that putting in the effort to change would mean I would have to face the music. I was being very negative about myself, and that energy can really effect those around you. Honestly, I was embarrassed to talk to Jesus about it. I made it a point in my day to talk to Him first thing in the morning, and read a chapter of Looking For Lovely by Annie F. Downs before breakfast (obviously after my AM skin care routine). Annie F. Downs spoke right to my heart. 

"To Jesus. You saved me once, but You rescue me all the time. My flesh and heart fail us both repeatedly, but you are the strength of my heart. You are my portion forever. I'm so glad to do this life with You. When I really looked for lovely, I found You." — Annie F. Downs, Looking For Lovely

This passage is found in the "Thank You" section of her book. I wrote this note after: Wow, isn't that SO true! My joy, peace, love, comfort, hope and so many other things come from You. My life would be a mess without You. I fail You, but You will never fail me. May I always strive to walk in You!

I didn't just loosen my grip, I completely let go of my insecurities. Christ replaced the negativity in life with His love. No matter what I see in the mirror, I know I am beautiful because I was created in God's image. I don't take His love for granted — I am so undeserving of it. Which makes it that much more beautiful. My self care journey started with drawing near to God. If not for Christ, I would be holding onto my insecurities and stay in that viscous cycle. I grew much more confident. Even more, now that I can take care of my physical self without my mental self hindering me. 

Self care is very individual. Just like our bodies and our skin...self care is individual. It can be more routined or more relaxed. Basically, self care can be ANYTHING. It starts with making sure your mental/spiritual state is nurtured. Self care always goes back to your mental health. For myself, having a balanced diet keeps me sane. When I really go crazy, and go a whole day without eating a bunch of veggies, it really affects the rest of my week. I get lethargic...it's just not a fun time. I feel like I'm talking in circles, but the point is — self care is prioritizing yourself in small ways to benefit your overall mental health. And who better to bring along than Christ. 

*When I say mental/spiritual health, I am referring to my mental health based on my relationship with Christ. If I'm not making time for Christ, I tend to be more negative or lack energy (it's not drastic, but it's noticeable).

K THANKS BYE,

On OLIVIA GENEVIEVE March is self care month! Well, I guess every month is, but this is more specific...so, whatever. I am really excited to talk about this. Self care is so fun and I hope that my "journey" can maybe inspire someone! Again, the rest of March will be about the main areas I focus on when it comes to self care — diet, movement, skin, and mental health. Get excited for my next post, cause I am! Also, a really quick thank you to everyone who has supported my blog so far. Creating content is really fun, but the support makes it even better!

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