You're likely familiar with the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." It starts like this: "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." Might you allow yourself to be your own true love? With that in mind, how will you gift yourself today?
Sonia Choquette, in her book, Soul Lessons and Soul Purpose, seconds this notion. She emphasizes that our primary "Soul Purpose" is "To love yourself as God loves you."
Not sure where to begin? Ellen Bard suggests implementing "tiny self-care habits every day". I highly recommend exploring her blog post for some excellent ideas. Click here for "45 simple self-care practices: for body, mind and soul. Don't let the number 45 scare you off. Consider choosing one each day, and continuing the habit in the new year.
Need a laugh and a role model for how to be your own true love? Here's James Corden's take on that! Watch, smile, laugh! It's a 30-second video! Indulge!
Need a reminder to GIFT yourself daily? Wrap a small box (or find one at the craft or dollar store). Place it where you'll notice it multiple times each day, such as on the dash of your car, your desk, your computer monitor, the kitchen or bedside table. At the minimum, I hope it will serve as a gentle reminder to take a loving breath and offer yourself some supportive self-talk.
"...There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves
and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself." ~Brian Andreas