Self
No one wants to be selfish, but "You can't pour from an empty cup" couldn't be more accurate, especially in today's hectic and hyperconnected world.
At Positive Ripples Coaching, we believe that the ability to intentionally create positive ripples in your world starts with having a healthy relationship with yourself. Our coaching and training programs focus on five critical areas of developing this relationship.
Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is the act of showing yourself kindness instead of criticism and judgment. This means that you focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses, celebrate the wins instead of dwelling on the losses, give grace for mistakes, and have patience for the struggles. Self-compassion doesn't mean you operate with blinders, ignoring your shortcomings, but it is a mindset shift acknowledging that you are human and embracing progress over perfection. Are you kind to yourself?
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
It shouldn't be a secret that your life is filled with stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions. If we aren't aware of and intentional with the coping mechanisms we use to manage these experiences, we can do more harm to ourselves and others than good. Acknowledging your unhealthy coping mechanisms (i.e., such as food, alcohol, drugs shopping, aggressive behavior, etc.) and developing healthy ones (i.e., journaling, mindful breathing, talking to a friend, going for a walk, etc.) is a vital part of building a healthy relationship with yourself. It's also important to recognize that not every person will have the same healthy coping mechanisms; what works for someone else may not work for you, and that's okay. What are your go to coping mechanisms?
self-care
There is no magic routine or one size fits all solution to taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, but it is about creating healthy habits and routines that work for you to promote wellbeing. This should encompass your sleep, your eating, your movement and exercise, and your down time. If you are a person of faith, this should also include your habits and routines surrounding your prayer, meditation and study. Do you have a plan to take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing?
boundaries
Setting boundaries for your time and energy demonstrates that you value yourself. This area gives you permission to say "no" and protect yourself from being taken advantage of, becoming overwhelmed, or engaging in relationships or activities that are not conducive to a healthy life. Maybe your boundaries include things only spending an hour a week with a certain person, or maybe you set a boundary that no matter what is happening, you put away your communication devices when you enter your home so you can focus on your family, maybe it means that you only agree to participate in two committees that align with your values and purpose. Much like with the other areas, the boundaries you set will be unique to you and may not be the same as someone else. What areas or relationships in your life need boundaries?
self-awareness & growth
Becoming mindful and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how they impact yourself and others is the spring board that helps you focus on the steps you need to take to be more intentional and grow into the person you were created to be. This areas asks and answers questions like: Who am I? Who do I want to be? What do I need to develop? What do I need to eliminate? What kind of new opportunities should I look for?
