"Be Good to Yourself ..."

"Runnin' out of self-control
Gettin' close to an overload
Up against a no win situation
Be good to yourself when, nobody else will
Oh be good to yourself
You're walkin' a high wire, caught in a cross fire
Oh be good to yourself"

~ Journey ~ Be Good To Yourself ~

***

With the Fall season upon us here in Calgary, there is a lot of things starting up again.  School, sports, projects, and "gettin back to the grind", whatever that means.  I have seen at my favourite hot yoga studio a 30 day challenge and have heard through a few friends that this is being initiated again thru many yoga studios in the city.  It's a great idea, and helps to discipline us and provide focus to meet a challenge and succeed.  Since my schedule is so strict, I don't have the opportunity to actually partake in the 30 days at the actual studio.  But all this talk of challenge and success, allowed me to think about a 30 day self-LOVE challenge.  Yep you heard me a 30 day self-LOVE challenge.  

So what's this all about?  

Well, springing off the above idea, What if you commit to the next 30 days to practicing love, compassion and gratitude towards yourself.  Love heals, restores and balances and always present in our hearts.  We can glow with confidence knowing we are loved.  Yet sometimes, when we are overloaded with other people's stuff, sorting out their crapola, feeling like our backs are up against a wall, and having little to no time for ourselves, well ... we forget.  We forget how amazing we really are and how loved.  We beat ourselves up daily thinking we are not a good enough spouse, friend, or worker.  Stop the critical inner voice and commit to this challenge.  The great thing about the 30 day self-LOVE challenge is that you don't have to go anywhere, to no special class or gym, enrol in any "official" programme, or roll out some cash.  This can all be done in the comfort of your own space and allowing you to make a promise to yourself.

So how does this all work?

Initially decide if this is something that interests you.  Then make the commitment for the next 30 days.  Start first thing in the morning as this works best for me, but again you decide.  This time helps me set my intentions for the day.  A kind of mantra if you will.  I wake up, take a moment to thank Him for my life, my family, my friends and send blessings to all.  Then I set my intentions by choosing a positive, powerful affirmation that resonates with me.  I draw from the readings I do within Yoga journals, websites and inspirational books.  Just about anything that allows me to appreciate who I am.  The key is that it must involve Love, Compassion and/or Gratitude and be directed to yourself.  Below are some affirmations I have practiced that might give you a head start ...

I turn every experience into an opportunity.  Each problem has a solution.  All experiences are opportunities for me to learn and grow.  I am safe

I now go beyond other peoples fears and limitations.  It is MY mind that creates my experiences.  I am unlimited in my own ability to create the good in my life

I claim my own power and I lovingly create my own reality.  I ask for more understanding so that I may knowingly and lovingly shape my world and my experience

I slowly and deeply breath in and out and find my body relaxing and my mind calming

We are guided throughout our days in making the right choices. Divine intelligence continuously guides us in the realization of our goals.  We are safe 

Being able to practice these types of mantras daily, by writing them down for times when we really need it, will help you get thru the days.  Don't get down on yourself if you can't remember exact words, just know that your intentions are pure and authentic.  

And the end of the 30 days, what an amazing feeling you have.  I would love to hear how this goes for you, and your beautiful affirmations  ~ with the intention of lifting your spirit and your soul, recognizing again, just how truly amazing you really are.