If we would just treat ourselves with the courtesy and care we give to others, I’m convinced we could accomplish whatever we want. I know. I have seen it happen time after time with my clients. Once they catch on to what self care means (i.e. going to a movie, having dinner with a friend, taking a hot bath) and tune into their own needs, they are half way there.  When we act on our needs and desires, we learn that we’re worth it. We deserve to feel good. And feeling good leads to the motivation to do what we need to do to feel better—whether it’s exercise, healthy eating, taking a new yoga class, hang-gliding or finally asking for the raise we feel we deserve (although timing is important here).

You start to enjoy who you are. Encourage yourself by laughing a little louder, smiling at yourself in the mirror and remembering that you are a unique and perfectly imperfect human being. Just as no two snowflakes are alike, no other human being exists like you and you are here for a reason. You were meant to be here for your unique qualities in this time and place. Wow—what a gift you are to this world!

Now, you can take this gift called you and stretch to become all you were meant to be. So ride the waves of uncertainty and change with grace. It is okay to stumble along the way—just accept the setbacks as part of your growth. It is a sign that you’re really living and you have begun walking the path of a spiritual warrior who is motivated to live your best life.