Tanja Alexandra Kern 
Greetings and welcome to part 4 of our series “The Secret to Self-Empowerment”! I am happy you are here and thank you for your interest and support!
Have you been able to apply some of the principles the earlier articles talked about? How has it been going for you?
In case you are a new subscriber, a big welcome to you! You can find our earlier articles here:
– The Secret to Self Empowerment
– The Secret to Self Empowerment ~ Part 2
– The Secret to Self Empowerment ~ Part 3
Let’s look at the next steps:
4. Self Care ~ Shower Yourself with Love
In a world full of change, uncertainty and stress, it seems natural to worry and keep busy. Most of us have a tendency to support everyone and everything around us, except ourselves. We come last and sometimes, by the end of the day, we are too exhausted to really take care of ourselves. “Oh well”, we say, “tomorrow is another day” and “once we’ll go on vacation I can relax”.
Yes, I hear you. Your family keeps you busy, you have a job, a house, pets, kids, hobbies, friends, etc. We keep doing everything we can in all areas of our life, keep running around and try to fix things, help out and get things done. And when others don’t appreciate what we do or don’t return the favors, we may get irritated which only adds to our constant tiredness. So what’s wrong in this picture?
Yes, you got it! The first person you need to take care of is YOU! When you invest in your health and wellness, you fill yourself up with energy, vitality, serenity, flexibility and strength. Your attitude changes and you will notice that you are less stressed and more patient.
The secret is to take time every day to do something that you enjoy and that adds to your well-being. It may be practicing yoga, meditation, dance, a walk in nature, jogging, knitting, etc. The most important thing is to cultivate love, compassion, and kindness in your chosen activity. Focus on what you love to do and make time to do it. Share you inspiration and excitement with others and they may soon join you in pursuing their own happiness. Taking time for yourself and connecting within, to the divine, and to something that you enjoy, supports you in cherishing the present moment. Being in the here and now further supports us in letting go of anger, fear and doubt and re-focusing on love, trust, and faith.
Sometimes all you need is comfort. Simply place both hands on your heart, close your eyes and take some deep, long, and steady breaths. Breath in through your nose, and on your exhale just sigh the breath out through your mouth.
Now that you feel centered and balanced, you can be there for others. Notice how much more productive, joyful, patient and kind you are when you take some time for yourself.
5. Connection
Know that you are not alone. We are all connected on some level. Whatever you may be going through in your life, there are others out there that just like you, are experiencing sadness, grief, anger, shame, pain, and regret.
The fear and uncertainty about change and impermanence is a common struggle. Every living being wants to be loved, happy and free from suffering. Instead of feeling lonely and separate, embrace how similar our needs are and how they unite us, no matter what race, religion, gender, etc.
When you change your perspective, you may notice how much you really have to be grateful for. For example, I remember the people in Cambodia. They live in simple huts and use the same water to bathe, wash, fish and as a toilet. They survive from day to day and yet their eyes are filled with love, grace, joy, kindness and compassion. What they have, they appreciate. It all goes back to counting your blessings as well as connecting with like-minded people.
Just as the practice of yoga cultivates union between body, mind and spirit, so let your connections be a union of your heart with the hearts of others. Treat others and yourself with respect, kindness and love.
If you like yoga, your neighborhood yoga studio may be a great place to connect with like-minded people. Or you may find your tribe at church, at an animal shelter, or anywhere your heart takes you.
Just one person can make all the difference!
Together we can empower, inspire, support and guide each other on our journeys!
As always, please let me know your thoughts, feedback, comments and ideas!
Also, please share this article with your like-minded friends and kindly ask them to sign-up for my newsletter.
I encourage you to empower yourself, because you are worth it! You are unique, special and amazing! Shine your light into the world, share your gifts and talents and inspire others to unlock their full potential!
Many blessings from my heart to yours,
Tanja
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Tanja Alexandra Kern
