Nurture - How To Put Yourself First...

Read the story of Natalie and how she used the metaphor of her garden to find a way to self-nurture and to recognise when she'd gone off track. This may help you to embrace a self-nurture practice of your own.

Natalie, the garden and nurture Nectar

Natalie lived a busy life in a lively town, known for her selflessness and dedication to others. Her home was clean and well care for, but Natalie neglected her own needs, focusing solely on the well-being of those around her.

One spring, Natalie's once-thriving garden began to wither, mirroring her own sense of fatigue and discontent. She realized that neglecting her own self-care had led to her own decline.

Natalie hesitated to prioritize herself, feeling guilty about spending time and resources on her own needs. She struggled to balance her responsibilities with her desires.

Meeting Her Mentor
At a market, Natalie met Agnes, an elderly woman who advised her that self-care was essential, not selfish. Agnes’s wisdom inspired Natalie to reconnect with her own needs.

Embracing Agnes’s advice, Natalie began dedicating time each week to herself. She invested in activities she loved and created a personal care plan that included relaxation and health. Natalie faced resistance and guilt from those used to her selflessness. Old habits of neglect resurfaced, but she found support from friends and a community group, learning to set boundaries.

Approach to the Inmost Cave
Natalie wrote a heartfelt letter to herself, reflecting on her journey and celebrating her achievements. This exercise deepened her self-awareness and reinforced her commitment to self-care.

The Ordeal
A major family event tested Natalie's commitment to self-care, as stress threatened to undo her progress. She faced the challenge of balancing her new self-care routine with external demands. Emerging stronger, Natalie's garden began to bloom again, reflecting her renewed vitality. She found greater fulfillment and balance, proving the benefits of her self-care efforts. Natalie's transformation was evident to all. Her increased energy and positivity inspired others to prioritize their own well-being, achieving a harmonious balance between caring for others and herself.

Nurture Nectar
Natalie's flourishing garden and enriched life became a testament to the power of self-care. She shared her journey, teaching others that nurturing oneself is key to personal happiness and effective caregiving.

The Moral of the Story

1. First you must nurture yourself - just like the safety instruction in an aircraft which encourages you to place your own oxygen mask on first BEFORE helping others.

2. Be mindful - you are perfectly imperfect, so be gentle on yourself - give yourself permission to be imperfect.

3. Acknowledge how far you've come by recording your progress

We hope you enjoyed this blog post. Next read... our blog about being the meaning maker in your world might be the very best next read for you...

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