Radical Self-Care: 30 Day Challenge

I dreamt this post last night, which rarely happens, but when it does, I figure the Universe is trying to thwack me over the head, and I better pay attention. So I’ll transcribe my dream, in case this wisdom comes not just for me, but for you.

Truth is, I’ve been neglecting my own health a bit lately. Which, as a doctor promoting optimal vitality and wellness, feels damn hypocritical. It’s just that the madness of opening the Owning Pink Center, the crazy nuttiness of relaunching OwningPink.com later this month as a big, grown-up website, and the TV/radio/print/internet media publicity I’ve been doing around both have thrown me completely off kilter.

A year ago, I was doing so well! I was eating a largely vegan, often raw foods diet, drinking five green juices a day, hiking over an hour a day, listening to guided imagery every night to help me sleep, getting it on with my hot hubby regularly, doing yoga, attending dharma talks at the Zen Center, being present for my daughter, expressing myself creatively with my painting and my writing- the works.

Then “success” hit, and every fear I’ve had about being successful- namely that I would completely lose balance and lose myself- has come true lately. I’ve been eating junky Mexican food, skipping my hikes, forgetting my green juice, going to bed two hours after my husband and sleeping too little, working too hard, and failing to nurture myself. THIS IS NOT HOW I WANT TO LIVE!!!! Sheesh.

(Okay, sorry. Ranting is over.) While I never claim to have it all- and Mojo is a tenuous slippery little sucker, my dream was a reminder that I always strive to Own Pink fully, and nurturing my body, mind and spirit allows me to do the work I do most fully. So I’m committing to a change- a program of radical self care. Maybe you’ll be inclined to join me. Here’s my plan. I’ll start with 30 days, knowing that if I can stick with it, I’ll feel so great at the end that I’ll want to continue.

Next: 30 Day Radical Self Care Challenge

1 of 2

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Samantha H.

10:05AM PST on Feb 2, 2012

nice

send a green star

Emma S.

1:57PM PDT on Oct 26, 2011

I found this at a timely moment. Thanks for this.

Danielle H.

6:32AM PDT on May 18, 2011

THANK YOU

Darla G.

12:31PM PDT on Nov 3, 2010

Wow! I am looking for change right not and this looks like a great way to start the balance I desire. Thanks... I am saving this on my computer so I can see it every day!

Stephani H.

2:46PM PDT on Jul 8, 2010

Wow! I took your advice and the biggest change for me was getting rid of all the toxic relationships in my life. I've always been to polite to do something someone else didn't like but I did this for myself and I am happier for it! I'm making your radical self change a life long thing. I have never felt so at peace with myself.

Jeannette A.

6:56PM PDT on Jun 28, 2010

How often we forget ourselves in our rush for success, as if that is the purpose of our being alive! I remember someone telling me once, when I was in an unhappy situation, that in 50 years no one will remember or care about my mistakes. When we leave this existence, we do not take our possessions with us but we DO take ourselves. If we do not, first and foremost, care for ourselves, why should others think we are worth caring for or that the beliefs we hold dear have any lasting value? Love and caring for our world begins with love and caring for ourselves.

Jewels S.

5:08PM PDT on Jun 18, 2010

i have been implementing many of these but it is good to have some support! Thanks!

Pat T.

9:09PM PDT on Jun 13, 2010

For years I have wanted a claw foot bathtub in my yard,now I am really motivated.
Thanks for the photo.
pat

Aude L.

7:21AM PDT on Jun 13, 2010

like those tips, though some seem hard for me ;)

Susan S.

2:49PM PDT on Jun 12, 2010

Self-care can seem so radical, but I try very hard to practice it as much as I can by developing a routine. Your suggestions are excellent, and I especially like the joy journal.