By: Elaine Kempski
Founder, Certified Coach and Inspirational
Speaker/Writer

Women are natural givers. We give so freely of ourselves – as daughters, sisters, mothers, life partners, friends, and leaders. This is a tremendous gift to the world and makes a huge difference in our families and communities.

The challenge is finding a balance between giving to others and giving to ourselves. When our lives reflect this balance (self-nurturing), we feel empowered, hopeful, and energetic. When our lives do not (self-sacrificing), we feel exhausted, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Over time, chronic self-sacrificing puts enormous stress on our mind and body. This eventually impacts our emotional state, physical health and life fulfillment.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! By supporting each other, we can challenge this growing trend and permanently overcome it. Women share a unique bond. Through this special bond, we can help one another find and keep that essential balance.

How can women integrate more balance into their lives? It starts by our becoming more aware. Take a few minutes to list your Top 5 Priorities. Now, where did you end up on that list? Are you even on the list? To have the life you want, you need to be within the Top 2 Priorities. I know what many of you are thinking:  “But that would be so selfish of me!” This is a prevalent non-truth that keeps us from having the lives we truly deserve. Here’s the REAL truth: To have the lives we want AND give our best to others, we must value ourselves equal to that of our dearest loved ones.

Let’s view this from another perspective. Think of a beloved person in your life. If that loved one were self-sacrificing to the extent to which you are (not within the Top 2 Priorities) and suffering as a result, what would you do? Would you challenge those non-truths and support her in becoming more balanced and healthy? Of course you would – like a warrior you would! So why would YOU deserve anything less?

What can women do to nurture themselves more fully?
For starters, take time each day to do something for YOU – any activity that brings you joy and nurtures your body, mind and spirit. It could be reading an inspirational book, walking with a friend, meditating in nature or engaging in a creative hobby. Only you know what nurtures you – so choose one activity a day and expand from there!

Secondly, make your personal development a priority. This could include taking a class to learn something new, attending a workshop with a friend, or committing to a wellness program. Each time you invest in yourself through learning, sharing, and connecting, you nurture your deeper self.

Thirdly, lead by example. By taking these actions and making daily progress, you inspire others to do the same. Through consistent self-nurturing, your emotional well-being, overall health and life outlook will reflect what is on the inside:  joy, truth and peace!

Finally, share this article with your closest women friends. Challenge all non-truths that lead to unaware self-sacrificing. Maintain a balance between giving to others and giving to yourself. Reclaim your personal power through daily self-nurturing.

Remember:
To self-nurture is to self-value! By living this powerful truth, all things are possible! Start your journey today by visiting our Upcoming Events page at:  www.InnerJourneyCoaching.com.  Also, sign up for our FREE Monthly Newsletter (Home page) to hear about events and receive inspirational messages.

Elaine Kempski is founder of Inner Journey Coaching, an organization dedicated to helping women discover, empower and transform themselves throughout their lifetime. For over 24 years, Elaine has been supporting women to make the amazing journey back home to themselves. She is best known for inspiring women to connect with their innermost wisdom and truth, living boldly from that powerful place within us all! “The ultimate truth is that we are powerful beyond measure!” This is a truth Elaine encourages ALL women to realize for themselves through her unique keynotes, public/group events, personalized coaching and leadership programs.

Testimonials:
“Elaine is one of the most brilliant and amazing women I have ever met. She is gifted in coaching, teaching and speaking in ways that I have rarely experienced. Her presence can literally transform a room. She knows her mission with the utmost clarity and moves forward with courage, passion and love. To work with Elaine
is an honor and just knowing her has transformed my life!”
~ Chris Sopa

“The workshop helped put several issues into perspective so I could make a better decision regarding an important relationship. The introspection Elaine provided helped me crystallize my needs and move forward with clarity and confidence.”
~ Eileen Scardina

“It was when I began my coaching sessions with Elaine that I started gathering the courage to make the decisions that have brought me to the life I was meant to be living all along. She helped open up a world of possibilities that I had never before considered achievable!”
~ Pat Curlett
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