Self-Care

We all lead busy, hectic, time-pressured lives these days. Many of our clients admit to feeling as though they are dropping the ball in their marriage, with their kids, with family, and at work. There simply don’t seem to be enough hours in the day to be everything to everyone who needs something from us.

This is especially true for those who identify caregiving as a primary function in their relationships. For these folks, it is critical to recognize and honor your personal limits, and know when to step back and exercise healthy self-care.

Recognizing the value of taking good care of yourself and learning how to set boundaries in your life are just a couple of the tasks of appropriate self-care. If the idea of taking good care of yourself seems foreign to you, a caring professional counselor can help you to become aware of—and honor—those needs.

Counseling Insights and Articles About Self-Care:

Self-Care: Six Tips to Recharge Your Mind and Body, by Brian Perry
The Importance of Third Spaces: Creating Balance Beyond Home and Work, by Liza Hinchey
The Life-Giving Quality of Curiosity, by Deb Toering
Our Bodies Knew, by Dave Papandrea
All My Friends Know Their Major; What’s Wrong with ME?, by Sherrie Darnell
The Mind-Body Connection Series: Harnessing a Movement Routine for Mental Well-Being, by Liza Hinchey
Getting to Know Your Inner Critic, by Liza Hinchey
You've Got to Know When to Hold'em—And When to Shut Them Down, by Dave Papandrea
The Mind… The Gut… The Psyche, by Dave Papandrea
Working to Live or Living to Work? What is the Difference and Why Does it Matter?, by Shelley Kruszewski
The Two Faces of Self-Compassion, by Liza Hinchey
6 Steps For Building Resilience And Preventing PTSD, by Dave Papandrea
Finding Christmas Joy, by Tonya Ratliff
Could A Mindfulness Practice Benefit YOU?, by Sherrie Darnell
Moms: Can Your Empty Nest Grow Full Again?, by Deb Toering
You Spot It, You Got It, by Sherrie Darnell
Is It Me? Maladaptive Coping Strategies in the Fire Service, by Dave Papandrea

The Mind-Body Connection Series: How to Get the Most of Your Sleep, by Liza Hinchey
Why Everyone Can Benefit From A Mindfulness Practice, by Liza Hinchey
Finding Encouragement In The Small Moments, by Wendy Warner
Your Brain Is Hardwired To Protect You, Not To Be Productive, by Liza Hinchey
Parenting, But It's Not What You Think I Mean, by Liza Hinchey
Is That Bully Still beating You Up?, by Deb Toering
An Empowering Approach To Internalized Beliefs, by Liza Hinchey
In The Season Of Giving, Let's Remember To Give To Ourselves, by Liza Hinchey
Mindfulness - Why It Works, by Liza Hinchey
Shame. The Silent Killer., by Deb Toering
How Do You Define YOU?, by Tonya Ratliff
Social Media Can Be Hazardous to Your Mental Health, by Deb Toering
What Are You Thinking About?, by Wendy Warner
The Need for a Little Quiet in Your Day, by Tonya Ratliff
Who Am I, Really?, by Deb Toering
Self-Care is Not Self-ish, by Tonya Ratliff

How Do You Define You?

9/4/2017

by Tonya Ratliff, LPC, NCC, ACS

Tonya Ratliff is the Owner and Director of Counseling Services for Trinity Family Counseling Center. In addition to her individual, couple, and family clients, Tonya is also the lead facilitator of the Walk With Me® Grief Support Group, an aftercare program sponsored by Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home in Utica, MI.

As I have watched the Hurricane Harvey coverage this week, I am inspired by the countless acts of selflessness by those reaching out to help. I got to thinking…

Our lives are so busy. Our days are defined by tasks: do this, do that, go there, call, email, meet, schedule, follow-up, finish, make time…. The list is endless and overwhelming. However, if you’re like me, there is GREAT satisfaction in crossing items off that list! We get so caught up in getting things done that we can slip into a mindset of allowing our accomplishments to define who we are. How often have you fallen into bed feeling quiet satisfaction as you review tasks you completed that day? Or, you find yourself lying awake disappointed, and berating yourself for the ones that will now roll into tomorrow…

We need to take a closer look at how we define our value. How about we consider who we are inside; what it is that we offer others that exemplify our character, our integrity. Ask yourself:

Whose life did I touch today?
Whose problem did I listen to?
How did I help?
Did I attend to another’s needs?
Did I give without expectation?
Was I kind?
Was I patient?
Did I smile at a stranger?

Please don’t misunderstand; tasks do need to get done. However, defining ourselves by who we are, rather than by what we do, can empower us to be the best version of ourselves — regardless of the task at hand.

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