How to Overcome Toxic Thoughts

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You and I encounter more toxins in a day than our grandparents did in their life time. Found in our beauty products, diet, habits, environment, and even our emotions, toxins are clogging the receptors in our bodies that were designed to bring the proper nutrients to our organs. No wonder so many of us have health issues!

While in school, we learned the science of health and nutrition, but some of us haven’t really thought about it since then. We know we should be careful about what we put in our body but really, unless this is a field of interest, who really gives toxins much thought? Not me, at least not until recently when I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue.

There is no medicine or surgery to help my ailments. And, like most sicknesses, it only gets worse without lifestyle changes. So I am on a kick to have a better diet, more sleep and exercise, less stress and toxins. And I’m finding the need to take better care of myself a Confidence Conflict.

Why is this so hard to take care of our own needs? 

mother-son-1546365-640x480I realize that some women are very good at taking caring for themselves (especially you Classics and Gamines) and that some women can be consumed with their own needs (especially any woman with a wounded heart), but typically, most women have a hard time spending time or money on themselves. Especially while her kids are dependent on her.

As moms, we train the little ones in self-care routines and make sure they get their sleep, but we hurry through carrying for our own needs and we don’t go to bed on time ourselves. How many times have you made the family’s breakfast, packed their lunch and then realized you forgot to eat? I do that all the time! Nutrition 101: no energy is gained by handling food, it must be consumed. I’m still learning.

Even selflessness can get out of balance. Like putting the oxygen mask on the passenger next to us while gasping for breath without our own, loving our neighbor is hard if we do not love ourselves. This is logically, right? Then why is it so hard for us to get it emotionally? It it important to know how to fight prediabetes.

Good people put others first. If we want the “good person” badge, doesn’t that mean we need to be able to say “I put myself last”? But speaking like that is self-martyrdom and it does nothing except boast of a false humility.

Imagine the chaos of a plane going down with all the passengers trying to save everyone else and no one taking care of themselves. Sometimes putting others first means taking care of ourselves.

Back to the basics

In an effort to decrease the toxins in my body, I am now using certified, pure therapeutic grade essential oils for my hair and skin care. I also use them for adrenal support and aromatherapy. Because of this, I have gained a new understanding of the commandment to “pray for the sick and anoint them with oil.” James 5:14 My morning makeover now includes praying through each step of my routine and it is empowering me in many ways.

When we start our day by caring for ourselves, we are free to be more generous. We have our own mask on, so giving is not exhausting, we do not need to stop and consider if it is risky to offer a hand–or a compliment, we just do. By taking responsibility for our own needs, instead of neglecting ourselves, we can be confident that we have something to offer others because our attitude is not filled with toxic self-talk.

Would you join me on my kick to be healthy, happy and strong? Let’s all start taking care of our own needs without feeling ashamed or selfish about it!

Let’s start tonight. After you get your children ready for bed, take some time to care for yourself. Treat yourself like you do them. You care about what happened in their day, think about how yours went. You want them clean and cozy to sleep for the night, get comfortable, too. Talk to yourself while your washing your face like you would the child you love. Imagine your Heavenly Father standing there with you, lovingly approving of the way you are taking good care of yourself just as you are proud of your children when they respect themselves. Accept His adoration like you want your children to accept yours. Allow His love to fill your lungs.

Rest well tonight, and during your morning makeover, love on yourself again. Again, take in your Father’s love.

And then breath out, because you have something to offer your world.

*****

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, will soon be available as an audio book. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com


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