The most important relationship you'll ever have
I know the title of the post sounds a bit dramatic, but hear me out. You may think that the most important relationship is external or with someone else, but just for the next few minutes, I want you to imagine a healthier relationship with yourself.
step 1: relax into the now
I invite you to tune into your breath, body, and heart. Whatever feelings that come up or don’t come up is absolutely fine. I invite you to be the non-judgment friend you crave, where you can be absolutely yourself and be comfortable in your own skin. This may be the first time in a long time that you listen to yourself. It can feel a bit weird and scary. Continue to breathe.
step 2: ask “how are you really feeling?”
Let whatever comes up to be there. Be open. Continue to breathe. You’re doing a great job. You can be yourself, and that’s plenty. Tune into your breath, body and heart again. Pay attention to any sensations that you may feel as you check in with yourself. Perhaps, the sensations or messages are trying to communicate something to you or maybe not.
step 3: reflect on your relationship with self
If possible, pull out a journal or a piece of paper, write “dear self or (insert your name)” and let whatever insights you may have received from this time with yourself flow. Again, this is a judgment-free zone.
If it’s not possible to write out your reflections, close your eyes to visualize your relationship with yourself today. Maybe you’ve been hard on yourself lately or for years. Today, I invite you to be kind to yourself and feed loving, encouraging messages to yourself: “You’ve got this,” “Things are kinda hard lately, I’m doing a great job,” “I can do hard things.” Honor the challenges that you’ve gone through and how just being here is enough.