The industry of personal development/self-help is huge. A quick google search tells me it’s over $11 BILLION. You may be one of those people, like I have been in the past, that has read a lot of self-help books and followed a lot of self-help authors. Now, don’t get me wrong there is value in these resources. That being said, the likelihood of follow through and impactful life change is minimal by just reading a book or social media posts. Could it be time for you to truly and authentically invest in yourself?
Five practical ways to invest in yourself
Do you desire to be healthier emotionally, mentally and spiritually? I am going to challenge you. I think in order to accomplish that, you are going to need more than a self-help book. Below are five avenues, that when done together, can make a lasting impact.
- Self care: I recognize this is a buzz word and can feel empty and meaningless. However, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Basically in order to love and serve others, you first need to take care of yourself. Read past blogs on this topic.
- Do something each day: Feeling better emotionally, mentally and spiritually is not going to happen overnight or by doing one thing, one time. It takes a commitment. In addition, start small. Don’t try to overhaul everything at one time. Do something small each day that invests in you. Some examples may include: Get up five minutes earlier to drink your coffee in peace. Go to the library and get a fiction book to read for enjoyment. Put a recurring lunch date on the calendar with a friend. Download a Bible app that can read you some scripture each day. Pack your lunch for tomorrow so you aren’t tempted to each out. Sit with a journal and name your emotions. Pick one thing and start there.
- Build community: I believe that personal healing is even more possible when done in community. Now I will say this takes time. But the intentional working of building a supportive community for yourself will pay off. To be seen, loved and valued by others goes so far in healing emotional wounding. And perhaps from this community, there will be one or two souls that can see you deeper and with whom you can be vulnerable. Sharing painful pieces of our story with someone else, and to receive empathy in that time, has the potential to repair wounds and experience that part of our story differently.
- Have accountability: Tell someone. Tell someone that you are working on this part of yourself. And even if you don’t feel like it matters, find someone that you matter to because they can help you keep going when you want to give up.
- Invest in counseling or coaching: I can share all of the blogs and free resources I can, but there is no replacement for the power of an empathic witness. A neutral, unbiased person can offer opportunities for personal insight that I believe you can’t find other places. I don’t know my clients outside of sessions, and there is a reason I can’t counsel friends and family. It provides a super safe space for people to share things they have never shared before. It is held as safe and precious in that space.
Why does investing in yourself matter?
The short answer is because you matter!! Every person, regardless of their past or their story, has value and matters in this world. Getting to know yourself better allows you to understand the way you are wired along with your gifts and strengths. My personal belief is this matters because then we are able to live out our true life calling of knowing and loving our Maker, loving others and growing the kingdom of heaven.
Is it time to begin investing in yourself again, or maybe for the first time? I would be honored the begin a conversation with you about what this could look like. This might be connecting with someone on our team, or receiving a referral for someone who is a better fit. Take the first step today.
About the author
Nicole Fryling, MA, LPC counsels women who feel anxious, overwhelmed and stuck, and want to be empowered to create peace, joy and fulfillment in their lives. She does this by blending together proven psychological tools and techniques with the therapeutic framework Scripture provides. Of all of the hats Nicole wears (wife, mother, counselor, business owner), Nicole’s favorite is her beach hat!If you’re ready to learn to thrive rather than just survive, contact Nicole today for support at nicole@restorativecc.com
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