Finding Your Safe Space
You may have seen the term ‘Self-care’ floating around quite a bit these days. As our world becomes more chaotic, women most of all, need some sort of solace for reflection and a space to be their authentic selves.
So much of our lives are committed to the responsibilities of others, most often our spouses and families. As high-functioning wives of spiritual leaders, we often find ourselves playing a role that does not necessarily reflect our true nature. The roles that are required of us are needed and respected, to be sure, but at the end of the day, the weight of these roles can sometimes take a toll.
Find Your Safe Space
Having a safe place to decompress from the chaos and responsibility of our lives – and all of the pressures that come with it – is so important. A place where you can decompress and be at peace with yourself, whatever you find that means to you.
Whether you are an introvert or a social butterfly, every woman needs their own safe space. This may be as simple as a corner of a room, where you can shut out the world for a few minutes and be alone with your thoughts. Or it may mean taking a brisk walk or jog around the neighborhood. Spending some alone time allows for self-reflection and for keeping yourself centered.
Or for you, perhaps this means getting together with close friends once a week and sharing a meal, or spending quality time alone with your family. Whatever it is, find that space to be your authentic self on a regular basis. If you can, take time out every day to do whatever it is that relaxes you and makes you calm and happy. Even if it’s just a couple days a week – find that time for yourself.
The Two H’s – Help and Humour
In my practice, I have found these two elements to be of so much importance. Life can be stressful – it is part and parcel of what makes us human. Having both of these in our lives makes everything much more manageable:
Help – nobody can do it alone. It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you come from. We all need help in some way. One important life skill that everyone should have is knowing when to ask for help. And there is no shame in doing so!
Humour – learning to laugh and recognize the humor in things is one of the most excellent ways to cope with our daily stresses. To be able to ‘not sweat the small stuff,’ to laugh at the ridiculous, to enjoy those around us who can laugh with us – that is the stuff of a happy life.
This is also part of finding a safe space.
Having a Space to Call Your Own Strengthens Your Relationships
When you take the time to be your authentic self, it makes for a happier existence, and it shows. The radiance you feel will project itself on others, and will naturally strengthen the relationships in your life.
The old adage rings true – smile and the world will smile with you.
