Self-Care vs Soul-Care

Dear Leaders and Change Agents,

My purpose for creating this newsletter is to inspire leaders of color to prioritize their well-being to become better leaders. However, when we consider putting ourselves first, we think about self-care, as in focusing on our physical and mental health. But we are more than just our minds and bodies.  

I recall times when I was consistently exercising, sleeping, and eating well. I had the energy and mental clarity to handle daily tasks but felt tired and uninspired. I was practicing self-care to the best of my ability, but still, something was missing. That changed when I learned about the components of the soul. Human beings are three-part beings: body, spirit, and soul. And the soul has five elements: mind, will, intellect, emotions, and imagination. So when we focus only on self-care, we neglect significant parts of ourselves. Here are three soul-care tips you can integrate into your routine. 

Streamline Your Life.

As leaders in our jobs, homes, families, and communities, we are often pulled in many directions. As a result, we usually take on tasks and responsibilities that leave us exhausted, unfulfilled, and over-committed. One thing that has to help my clients and myself to overcome this challenge is creating a personal mission and vision statement and a set of priorities. These guiding statements can be used to evaluate your life and remove things that are not in line with your purpose, priorities, and goals. For example, I’ve used my mission and priorities to help me say no. Saying no has helped me protect my energy, lighten my to-do list to things that only pertain to me and my goals, and given me ample rest without guilt.

Declutter the things, people, and places that don’t serve you.

Our world is full of negativity and toxicity that we unconsciously take in. You should have spaces that invite peace and act as a refugee from the outside world. Decluttering may mean tidying up your office, closet, home, timeline, email, schedule, and contact list by eliminating things that can disrupt your peace.  You must also protect your peace by giving limited access passes to people who bring drama and toxicity to you. This looks like stating how much time I have for a call, not answering the phone when it could impact my energy, stepping back from leadership roles in organizations, saying no, and making my boundaries clear regarding what I can give. 

Find time for yourself to reflect, daydream, and create. 

While we associate imagination with kids, imagination is a part of the human experience for all.  As adults, we feel like we have to continuously operate within reality, no matter how bleak it can look. We feel like we don’t have time to dream. However, when we feel hopeless, it is because we feel like all our options have been depleted. Imagination helps us to see more than what’s in front of us. It allows us to generate possibilities that can fuel our hope. It’s the foundation of our problem-solving and creative abilities. As a leader, you are tasked with developing solutions and thinking about the future, making imagination a vital part of your role. Making time for this type of soul care can include doodling, journaling, coloring, daydreaming, or any art you enjoy.  I tend to keep a coloring book on my desk and by my bed when I need to unplug from tech and clear my head. Creating this newsletter is a form of exercising my creativity and imagination. 

How will you amp up your soul care this week? 

Good Read of the Week: Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith

Quote of the Week: Accessing the compassion and clarity that come with soul-consciousness enables us to be clear yet gentle with ourselves.Judith Pemell

Connect with Me: If you are in the Baton Rouge area, check out my upcoming event for busy professionals, Clarity & Charcuterie. Schedule a free mini-coaching session to see how coaching can help you live, lead, and be well.