What is Self-Care?
Self-care isn’t indulgence—it’s a daily practice of tending to your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It’s learning to listen inward, honor your needs, and show up for yourself with the same compassion you’d offer someone you love. This page explores what self-care truly means and offers practical ways to begin—even if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
Here’s what you’ll find:
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A clear definition of self-care—and what it’s not
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The five foundational pillars of holistic self-care
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Gentle, beginner-friendly practices to build your routine
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My personal favorite tools and rituals for nervous system support
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Tips for integrating self-care into busy schedules
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Faith-based reflections and healing prompts to deepen your practice
Whether you're searching for “simple self-care ideas” or “how to create a sustainable self-care routine,” this guide is designed to help you reconnect with yourself—one small, intentional step at a time.
"How do we love ourselves? By forcing it at first. By faking it if necessary. By acting 'as if'. By working hard at loving and liking ourselves as we have at not liking ourselves."
Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting Go
Coffee is one of my small self-care items. I love making a cup and sitting on my patio to enjoy it. Even a old, bitter cup watching the Afghanistan sunrise was a treat. The beans make me think of their process to become a special treat for billions of people. Heat. Breaking. Flavor.
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What it is...
Prioritizing yourself
Valuing yourself
Nurturing yourself
Self-discipline
Self-responsibility
Boundaries
Self-compassion
Authentic & honest
Gentleness
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What it is NOT
Self-indulgence
Overspending
Binge eating
Instant Gratification
Numbing/Disassociating
Substance Abuse
Self-neglect
Perfection
Comparing
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What it includes:
Physical
Mental/Emotional
Spiritual
Social
Hygiene (general & personal)
Environmental
Seeking Help
Healing, learning, & growing
One healthy choice at a time
Pillars of Self-Care
Carry This Season With Intention
Just as autumn invites us to release what no longer serves us, your inner life asks the same. Download free guides that will help you meet every part of yourself with compassion and offer gentle shifts to help you let go in whatever season you are in.
Resource Links Notice
Some links on this site lead to third-party websites that offer books, tools, or therapeutic insights. These are shared for informational purposes only. I am not affiliated with these sites and do not receive compensation for purchases. Please explore them at your discretion, and consult professionals as needed for personalized guidance. See Disclaimer, Privacy and Terms & Conditions.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
Mental | The Cornerstone
The mind is the cornerstone of self-care. Old coping habits, negative thought patterns, stress, and anxiety keep us stuck and influence all areas of our lives. By nurturing your mental well-being through challenging and changing old thought patterns, we create a foundation for transformation.
“If we place our hope and future in the hands of our unchanging, unflinching God who never leaves us or forsakes us, we'll find healing and freedom.”
Lysa TerKeurst
Spiritual | The Lifeblood
"You are not a human being having a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being having a human experience." — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. God knew and loved us before we were formed, and that truth grounds us in healing. When we neglect spiritual care, we feel disconnected and adrift, but practices like prayer, time in nature, or connection with a higher power restore balance. Spiritual connection is the foundation of self-care and the key to lasting wholeness.
"Unexpressed emotions will never die, they are buried alive and will come forth in uglier ways."
Sigmond Frued
Emotional | The Essense
When emotional well-being is neglected, life loses depth and vibrancy. Stress, self-doubt, and unresolved emotions cloud judgment, weaken resilience, and strain relationships. Over time, this disconnection can lead to burnout, isolation, and even physical symptoms—because emotions, when ignored, don’t disappear, they manifest in different ways. Feeling them lets you move forward.
"The body isn't betraying you. It is asking for help."
Mikaela Deats, Nutritonal Scientist
Physical | The Foundation
The body is the foundation—the structure that carries us through every experience, shaping how we interact with the world. It is the vessel that holds our strength, endurance, and vitality, influencing both our physical and emotional resilience. Just as the mind guides our thoughts and the spirit fuels our purpose, the body supports us in action, movement, and presence.
"Finding the right community is like discovering a place where your soul can breathe, a space filled with warmth, support, and quiet strength that lifts you higher each day."
Samii Wilson
Social | The Heartbeat
We were never meant to go through life alone. One of our greatest enemies in this world is isolation. Community plays a vital role in healing by creating spaces for connection, support, and shared purpose. Community fosters accountability and compassion, reminding us that life is a shared experience of learning, growth, and connection with the world around us.
Weekly Letters for the Journey
Your journey deserves words that steady, soften, and strengthen—let them meet you here, every week.
Join a community of sojourners finding strength and softness in the journey. weekly notes filled with soul-deep reflections, trauma-informed wisdom, and gentle guidance for navigating change with faith and courage. You’ll also receive curated resources, practices I love, and early access to new offerings. A quiet pause in your inbox, rooted in resilience and renewal.