Nurturing Your Inner Self, Guide to Self-Care and Personal Growth

    While juggling careers, relationships, parenthood, and a never-ending to-do list, we often forget to take care of ourselves. It is important to remember to be able to take care of others, you have to take care of yourself first. 

    I remember in nursing school learning about Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, it is a theory that survival needs must be met before you can fulfill higher needs. The higher in the hierarchy the needs are, the more difficult it is to fulfill the needs in that stage. 

I am on a personal growth journey, I am trying to ensure my well-being remains my top priority, so I can be the best self for everyone I love.

Physiological Needs 

Self-care begins with taking care of our bodies. Maslow's Hierarchy specifically states physiological needs must be met before any other needs, it is how we survive. 

When you have so much on your plate it is so easy to overlook your basic needs, let's normalize taking care of our bodies. 

Basic Human Needs

• nourishing meals 
• regular exercise
• sufficient sleep
• healthy work-life balance

Remember it is ok to take time to have that meal you need, it is ok to go for that walk, it is ok to go to bed at a reasonable time, and it is ok to not always be the "yes" person.

Safety and Security 

To be able to conquer the world, you will need to create a sense of safety and security for yourself. 

You are probably thinking "That's great!", "But what does it mean?", "I live in a safe area!", "I have security cameras." 

Yes, but that is not all. There is more to feeling safe and secure than just the premises you are in. 

What Needs to be Safe and Secure?

• Physical
• Finance
• Emotions

We all need and deserve to be safe physically, financially, and emotionally. 

Ways to Establish Safety and Security

• establish healthy boundaries
• manage stress
• set realistic expectations
• create a support network

Cultivating a secure foundation will help tackle life's challenges, personally and professionally. 

Love and Belonging

 If you are like me, you often find yourself pulled in multiple directions, neglecting your need for love and belonging. 

I find myself prioritizing what everyone else needs from me, without thinking about the things I need. It has caused me so much unnecessary anxiety and stress. 

Things to Focus on to Feel Loved 

• self-acceptance
• self-love
• authentic connections 
• quality moments  

There is great significance in nurturing meaningful relationships within your home, your partner, children, and/or pets.

Self-Esteem and Self-Worth 

With social media being a part of our everyday lives it is easy to compare ourselves to others, which can cause self-doubt. 

Sometimes, you just don't feel good enough. 

I can tell you all day you are good enough, you are a smart, strong, unique person. What does that mean to you though?

Boost Your Confidence

• embrace your unique qualities
• celebrate your achievements

Ways to Increase Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

• self-care rituals
• affirmations
• practicing gratitude

Above all else, remember, you, yes you deserve all the love and respect in the world.

 The Ultimate Goal: Self-Actualization and Personal Growth 

At the top of Maslow's hierarchy is self-actualization, the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment. This is where we all want to be, and where we all will find ourselves at multiple times in our lives. 

When you have reached this stage in the hierarchy, you get fulfillment by exploring your creativity, pursuing your passions, and setting meaningful goals. This is where you discover the true you.

Ways to unlock your true potential

• Practice mindfulness
• Practice Meditation
• Continue Learning

Reaching self-actualization is pure bliss, and they say it is a very difficult stage to reach, I encourage you to go on a self-care journey with me, and maybe we can push each other to reach the highest level. 

Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. 

Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs will help us understand what we have, where we are, and what we need to live the most fulfilling life possible. 

If we do not care for ourselves, we will have a very difficult time taking care of others. The power of self-care will empower you and allow you to master this chaotic life. 

 Stay tuned for more insights, tips, and personal stories on self-care.