Apr/May 2025 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 98

4. THRILL EACH OF YOUR SENSES.

Identify activities that incorporate and stimulate your five senses of taste, touch, sight sound and smell. What experiences can you plan that incorporate as many senses as possible? I think of an outdoor concert where there is amazing music, a delicious-tasting picnic that is also a feast of color for the eyes and texture for your hands. And the aroma of the food! That’ s one that encompasses all the senses. What can you imagine? You don’ t need to combine them all, but perhaps one experience focusing on one sense. I know a woman who loves perfumes and scents so much that she started to hold perfume parties so her friends could invent their personalized concoctions. Perhaps a drive along an awe-inspiring route would check something off.

5. INCREASE YOUR SELF- CARE.

Start by asking yourself what you need? What would help you feel more joyful? What would move the needle forward? Remember that self-care is not selfish; it is required. We are unable to care for others if our own needs aren’ t being met. What is self-care to you?

Is it taking time for a long bubble or salt bath or taking a long luxurious shower? Is it taking time to listen, dance or sing to your favorite music or do a puzzle? Does it mean taking a 30-minute walk after a delicious meal? What about making the time or effort to shop, prepare, and enjoy an amazing meal for yourself and / or others?

Could it mean sitting in front of a fire and reading a book just for fun? Going to a concert, a play, a dance performance? Self-care needn’ t be expensive it only needs to be a time where you come first.