Nurture. This word often conjures up images of a mother caring for her child, a nurse taking care of the needs of her patients or perhaps a gardener tending his plants. However, what is often overlooked is self-nurturance. Do you daily take quiet time to relax? How long has it been since you enjoyed a massage, a manicure or a day at the spa? If you have a partner, when was the last time you received special attention, such as having your hair brushed or head petted? Have you taken time to soak your body in warm water? Do you often stop and enjoy the beauty in nature?

Many of you were raised to be slaves and servants to others, being taught that taking care of your needs first is an act of selfishness. For those of you who chose this as one of your basic belief codes, you eventually found yourself literally working yourself to death to please family, friends and employers.

It is no wonder you don’t have time to nurture yourselves. After so much time and energy is spent taking care of everyone else, there is nothing left for you. Even those of you who do have the time, energy and financial resources to pamper yourselves may choose not to do so because of guilt, shame and unworthiness.

Have you taken time to look at the various reasons you place others’ needs before your own? Do you do these things out of obligation or to assuage guilt? Do you tend to the needs of others as a way to build your self-esteem? Are you trying to impress others with your acts of service? Do you need to be rewarded or recognized when you help others? Be honest and ask yourself why you place others’ needs before your own.

Are you ready to start taking better care of your Self? Before you get out of bed in the morning, ask your body, "What do I need today to be full of energy and joy?" Once you learn to listen, you will find that your body will tell you exactly what it needs. Pay attention to your aches and pains; your body was designed with alarm systems to tell you when it needs food, water, exercise and rest.

Do you feel hot or cold? It takes a tremendous amount of energy to regulate body temperature. Wear the appropriate clothing, even if it is not fashionable. Are you overworking your muscles? Do less toil and take time to nurture your muscles with a massage or warm bath. Have you considered petting yourself and thanking your body? There are myriads of you who think it taboo to touch yourself in loving ways. Hundreds of you cannot even look at your body in a mirror when you are unclothed. How can you ever expect to love another when you are unable to appreciate your own physical vessel?

Develop a close, personal relationship with your body. Begin by gazing into your eyes while looking at your reflection in a mirror and telling yourself that you love you, that you are a wonderful person and that you are beautiful. Pay attention to your body each moment as you prepare to eat, asking your body what it needs. Listen to its responses. When you feel bloated, gassy, weak or tired, note what foods you have recently eaten and change your diet accordingly.

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