Self-care vs. Soul Care

And these days, there’s nothing that I want more for me. I’m learning to maximize the peacefulness and tranquility associated with caring for Majoria Sadè and keeping my needs at the center of my daily journey. I’m learning, in all ways, to show up for me- mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Show love to me.

Show that I value me.

Show that I prioritize me.

Show that I see me before being exposed to an outside world.

Show that I am worthy of all things good, gentle and consistent.

Show that I hold myself in high regards because I haven’t always done that…

Self-care.

It is at the core of how I function, and at best, how I recharge, next to spending time with My Father. It is one way that I can hold myself accountable and show adoration to the vessel entrusted to me. It took me some time to truly internalize this thought and have it manifest beyond a musing. The thought that when you value a thing or an individual, you offer it supreme care. Sheer nurturing. Love and acceptance. You offer up grace and a tenderness. A gentleness like that of a fresh, summer morning breeze at the dawn of a new day.

Self care.

And for me, that care was simple. Something so serene could never be difficult, so I thought.

Hair moisturized and curls flourishing.

Massages. Lots and lots of massages.

A nice brunch or a quiet, self-reflecting lunch.

Manicure and pedicure appointment secured, bi-weekly.

Finding the beat of my drum with working out again and moving my body…

…and water, one must drink water.

And to care for myself was so far from a reality just a few years ago that I vowed, once found, I’d never loose nor take my care regimen for granted again. But, life happened, and I disrupted my own inner mantra. I lost my own footing as I continued to venture out of my lane. What I’ve learned is that out of that place, in another space that’s not mine to dwell, there is great risk and disruption. There is dysregulation. Danger geared towards entangling my peace with worry and frustration. Anxiety, at times, with sprinkled bits of depression even. Dangerous to my family. Dangerous to my friends and associates. Dangerous to those that I’ve been entrusted to care for in Kingdom work.

The lack of consistent self-care and the non-consideration of soul care. The lack of boundaries that I thought were in place. That’s where I’ve been existing. You see, in care for myself and the outward, I neglected to care for the inner. The sacred place. The place in which my spirit dwells and the safe space to escape from a sometimes-harsh world, if only for a moment. My internal reservoir began to run on empty. And in a gentle way, as only He can, I was reminded that caring for my soul, my inner self was far more important than sole self-care.

Soul care.

My revelation has landed me here; I am no good if my soul is left thirsting and in lack. I can be "put together" to a world that can offer me nothing in exchange, or I can bring the pieces of me that need nurturing to The Flowing Stream of Life and be replenished as often as needed. The two must co-exist.

Soul care...

Being in relationship with Him.

Spending consistent time in that place so His voice is most familiar to me.

Engaging in activities with people doing those things that bring my nervous system into alignment.

Listening to my body when caution needs to be taken and aborting any mission that does not give me peace.  

Doing things fearlessly when I’ve been chosen because this season is not by happenstance.

Enjoying nature and being present there as much as possible.

Giving love and opening myself up to receive love in return. I'm worth it.

Setting and holding firm to internal boundaries. It’s hard work, but it’s necessary. It’s food, good, good food, for my soul…

As I learn to truly care for me where self and soul collide.