Note to Self: Self-Love is Self-Care

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Biotheranostics, Inc. (Breast Cancer Index TM). Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

My partnership over the last few months with the maker of Breast Cancer Index has really pushed me to be more aware of my own health and the importance of staying on top of my well being, both mentally and physically. 

I just turned 50 and it’s not lost on me that age is a privilege denied to many. It is so important that we remember and recognize just how important it is to keep ourselves mentally and physically well. 

Sometimes it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs before our own and too often, that’s a huge mistake. 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that so much of my time was spent on the wrong things and that quite often, my to-do list was out of order. 

How to Practice Self-Love

Here are a few tips that I think might come in handy if you are looking for ways to practice more self-love. 

Be Mindful and Intentional with Your Time

Ever wonder why moms stay up until the wee hours of the morning? For me, it was a search for a time in the day when I could just be alone with my thoughts. Have some “me time”, if you will. The only problem is, that late night “me time” was wrecking me for the day ahead. 

Over the past few years, I’ve become better about carving out my own time during the day. That might mean a quick getaway to a coffee shop to read a magazine or a long walk by myself. It might mean sitting out on the patio writing in my journal. 

It might also mean saying no to all of those things that are taking up the extra time in your day. Trust me on this one, as much as you might want to do all of the things for all of the people, the word no can be a true gift in terms of giving you back some much needed time in your days.

Cultivate Self-love

Oh this is a hard one. Of course we all love ourselves, but do we really show ourselves love? Do you go out of your way to work on your own happiness? Because guess what? You being happy is a gift to those around you. Truly. 

By definition: 

Self-love defined as “love of self” or “regard for one’s own happiness or advantage” 

But like anything else, this is a relationship that needs to be cultivated. Which brings me to my next point. 

Be Good to Yourself

It’s no secret that we tend to be our own worst critic. 

But what if we were actually our own biggest fan? Spoil yourself. Reward yourself. Be kind to yourself because only you know the struggles that you’ve been through or might currently be facing. 

Show yourself some grace and understanding. And you know what, don’t be afraid to write yourself a prescription for self-care when it’s needed because chances are, it probably is. 

Basically, be a good friend to yourself. Why wouldn’t you? 

Self-love is Self-care

I’m the first to admit that this isn’t my area of expertise. It’s taken me years to grasp the concept of truly committing to loving myself but that all comes out of the love I have for those around me.

Self-love = happy mama and we all know how much smoother things go when mama is happy. 

Find the time to do the things that feed your soul. 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

And as I mentioned above, self-love is really about taking care of yourself inside and out. That includes scheduling that mammogram you’ve been putting off. 

I think it’s safe to say that at this point in time we’ve probably all been touched by breast cancer in some way. Maybe not a personal friend or family member, but I think most people old enough to read this article know of someone who has had their life turned upside down by this disease. 

If you or someone you know and love has recently been diagnosed, please share this information with them as through my partnership with the maker of Breast Cancer Index I’ve learned the knowledge truly is power. And when it comes to a battle against cancer, the more armed you are for your fight, the better. 

Why Breast Cancer Index

Because knowledge is power and a breast cancer diagnosis comes with a lot of uncertainty and fear.

Breast Cancer Index is driven by data and guided by experience.

Breast Cancer Index and the people behind the brand are committed to serving as an ally to the provider-patient team by supporting physicians in their oath to do no harm, and reducing uncertainty for patients.

How to get a Breast Cancer Index Test

Please ask your doctor if the Breast Cancer Index test is right for you and find more information on the Breast Cancer Index website. 

And of course, friendships are one of the best ways to make sure you are keeping up with a self-care routine.

Make sure to Enter the Giveaway: 

I recently shared a post in which my friend Tina (and cancer warrior) shared her tips for How to Help a Friend Through a Cancer Diagnosis and this post also includes a fun giveaway basket of self-care items from Team Pink, I hope you’ll enter here!