…there isn’t a guidebook for setting boundaries. Each of us has our own guide inside ourselves. If we continue to work at recovery, our boundaries will develop. They will get healthy and sensitive. Our selves will tell us what we need to know, and we’ll love ourselves enough to listen.

—Beyond Codependency 

What do we need to do to take care of ourselves?

Listen to that voice inside. What makes you angry? What have you had enough of? What don’t you trust? What doesn’t feel right? What can’t you stand? What makes you uncomfortable? What do you want? Need? What don’t you want and need? What do you like? What would feel good?

...we learn that self-care leads us on the path to God’s will and plan for our life. Self-care never leads away from our highest good; it leads toward it.

Learn to nurture that voice inside. We can trust ourselves. We can take care of ourselves. We are wiser than we think. Our guide is within, ever-present. Listen to, trust, and nurture that guide.

Today, I will affirm that I am a gift to myself and the Universe. I will remember that nurturing self-care delivers that gift in its highest form. 

-Quoted from The Language of Letting Go by Melodie Beattie

 

Single Mom Tip #1

For most of us, we don't get married thinking "I should plan for life as a single person." There isn't a manual for how to be a thriving single parent after a long term relationship. When I became a single mom, it instantly caused me to have to shift many things in my life. It felt scary and overwhelming in many ways. This is why I have decided to share "Single Mom Tips." My hope is that these tips will be useful to you or someone you know who is entering the single parent life. 

Shrink your budget by writing down every expense you have and look at ways to bring down your monthly expenses. Consider meeting with a financial crisis counselor. Look at your mortgage and where/ how you are investing, unnecessary monthly subscriptions, turning down the heat more at night and while away, grocery shopping in bulk and at more affordable stores. The goal is to reduce the monthly budget so things can be more manageable right now. A lot can be shaved off - you will be surprised.

#singlemom #singleparent #divorce #divorced #counseling #counselor #singlemomlife #survive #survivor #thrive

Just Be

What if we could just "be" a little more? Just like my little frenchie. She just simply "is." Life is here. Right now. Let's just be still. Let's just take a breath and practice the art of "being." #beherenow #be #bestill #justbe #counseling #counselor #frenchbulldog #newyear #selfcare #youareenough

Journal

Look what finally got my attention tonight. This little gem has been calling my name for over a week now. It's time for her maiden voyage. Did you know that research suggests life improvement when we journal? #itstime #journal #mindfulness #counseling #counselorlife #selfcare

For many of us, we are entering Wednesday trying to figure out where everything belongs. It's an in-between kind of a time. Emotions flittering about, family dynamics, and trying to balance work (or the time off) can leave us a bit off kilter. I hope this article brings about a glimmer of hope through thought or action! Happy holidays y'all!

http://wvumedicine.org/news/article/8-mental-health-tips-to-reduce-holiday-stress/