When we are with Ed it can be difficult to care for ourselves. It is difficult to see positives and it is difficult to have self-love. Caring for ourselves from the inside out, both mind and body, can be a challenge as Ed is loud and overpowering. It may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. You can do it.
In the various stages of recovery it is important to practice self-care. I personally LOVE self-care. It took a long time for me to delve into it as I always thought (brainwashed by Ed) that I didn’t deserve pleasure of any type and that I wasn’t worth spending money on. If you come across these thoughts too, know they are false. It is all Ed and negative thoughts. You do deserve self-care and can have it.
Self-care gets you in tune with your body and mind; it relaxes you and gives you the pleasures of feeling good about yourself from the inside out. If you are looking for suggestions to help guide you, here are some of the things I do for self care: body massages, scalp massages, warm baths with candles, facials, manicure, pedicure, yoga and meditation. All of these things will enhance your body, mind and soul.
So, as you move through your journey of recovery, practice self-care. I give you permission to do so. Push aside the possible uncomfortable and non-deserving feelings and move forward into the practice of doing. Like recovery, with practice you too will begin to love self-care. Make an appointment for something as it is a step forward to finding freedom. Enjoy!
With health, hope and strength,
Cheryl
