Dec 2020/Jan 2021 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 45

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have been more successful . Being the artist of our own lives requires creativity , self-compassion , and a commitment to intentionally nurturing ourselves .

Here are five ways to transform the way you commit to a new self-nurturing practice in order

to transform your life :

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Identify a Practice . Spend some time getting clear about what selfnurturing practice you want to commit to . Check in with yourself and assess your level of motivation around making this commitment . Choose a selfnurturing practice you feel internally motivated about not something you think you “ should ” do . Visualize this practice becoming part of your day and explore what benefits you will experience when you consistently engage in the practice . Acknowledge your “ why ” or what will continue to motivate you to engage in this new practice , like vibrant health , inner peace , more joy or fun in your life , or any lasting feeling you will experience after the nurturing practice .

Set an Intention . When you have identified your self-nurturing practice and how it will benefit you , write an empowering intention about how you will engage in the practice and be specific . Your intention may look like “ I will practice yoga two times per week to feel grounded , peaceful , and strong .” Be sure to include the benefits you will experience and how often you

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4 plan to engage in the practice so you feel encouraged and can hold yourself accountable . Create an intention that is inspiring and post it everywhere , on your mirror , in your wallet , on your refrigerator , in your car , by your bed , and as a screen saver on your phone .

Write Yourself a Permission Slip . Sometimes setting an intention is not enough and we have to literally give ourselves permission to prioritize ourselves when it comes to committing to a new self-nurturing practice . If you find yourself hesitating or feeling ambivalent about beginning this empowering process , write yourself a permission slip . Finish this statement , “ I give myself permission to nurture myself by …” Then lean in and liberate yourself . Self-nurturing is not about perfection or another “ to do ” on your overflowing list , but rather nurturing the most important relationship you will ever have - the relationship with yourself . Giving yourself permission will clear away the resistance and open you to the possibility of really showing up for yourself like you would a dear friend .

As the Buddha reminds us , “ You more than anyone in the entire universe deserves your love and affection .” Embrace the gifts of this new selfnurturing practice by giving yourself permission .

Schedule It In Your Planner .

Whether you use a physical planner or the calendar on your phone , the next step is to schedule time for your new self-nurturing practice . Scheduling time for this practice is the most effective
HEALTH & WELLNESS

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