You care for others, now practice self-care.
As women, we are really good at taking care of others. Our kids, our spouse, our friends or family – we know how to meet needs and show up. But it’s time you start taking care of you.
Author Courtney Carver believes you deserve to be gentler with yourself. She wants you to show yourself the same kindness you so willingly show others.
A Wake-Up Call
Courtney’s journey began with a significant wake-up call. She was constantly on the go, working long hours as an advertising executive and taking on too many tasks. This relentless pace led to severe health issues, including debilitating vertigo and fatigue. After numerous doctor visits, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This diagnosis served as an “invitation to live differently,” prompting her to reassess her lifestyle and priorities.
The Power of Gentleness
Courtney believes in the power of being gentler with ourselves. She emphasized the importance of tuning out the external noise and listening to our inner needs. “If we have a chance to start paying attention to what we need and what we know to be true, it can really go a long way,” she explained.
Slowing Down
One of the key steps to being gentler with ourselves is to slow down. In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook our own needs. By slowing down, we can better understand what we truly need. Courtney suggested creating quiet spaces in our lives, both physically and mentally. “The first step is turning our phones off,” she advised, highlighting the importance of disconnecting from constant digital distractions.
Decluttering and Simplifying
Courtney also advocates for decluttering our surroundings and simplifying our schedules. “Decluttering is definitely an underrated form of self-care,” she noted. By removing unnecessary items from our homes and reducing our commitments, we can create more space for peace and quiet.
Defining ‘Enough’
In a society that often pushes us towards more, it’s essential to define what ‘enough’ means for us individually. “If we don’t have that definition of enough, it’s always more, more, more,” she said. Understanding what is sufficient for us at different points in our lives can help us slow down and take better care of ourselves.
Prioritizing Self-Care
To prioritize self-care, Courtney suggested putting ourselves on our own to-do lists and calendars. Self-care goes beyond bubble baths and face masks; it’s about addressing our deeper needs. She encouraged redefining the discomfort we might feel when prioritizing self-care, recognizing it as a sign of growth rather than guilt.
Courtney’s message is clear: being gentler with ourselves is not selfish; it’s necessary for our well-being. Her book, “Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want,” offers a comprehensive guide to embracing this philosophy. By slowing down, decluttering, defining ‘enough,’ and prioritizing self-care, we can lead more fulfilled and balanced lives.
Courtney will be in conversation with her daughter, Bailey for the launch of her new book, “Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want.”
This event is open to the public and will take place at the Neighborhood Hive: 2065 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 TONIGHT, February 20, 2025! Tickets are required for this event. There are two ticket options. The first includes a copy of the book and the second is a $5 ticket that helps cover the cost of the venue. No refunds.
Get tickets here.
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