The start of the new year is typically marked by resolutions, intentions or a resolve to transform our lives, and all these things can be very positive. However, with all the talk of changing ourselves, it’s worth taking a step back and really getting to know ourselves first. I like to think of the new year as a great time to reflect and connect internally. When we talk about Self Love, Self-Care and Self-Acceptance, all incredibly important things, how can we serve our Self if we don’t fully understand ourselves at all.
Image from Bullet Journal Addict
So, I’d like to set a little challenge for getting to know ourselves better. When I think of how I get to know someone, I generally take the time to speak to them on a deep level, find out what makes them happy (and what makes them sad), spend one on one time with them, doing things they like. We can do the same for ourselves. Self-reflection, whether through journalling or meditation is really powerful. Finding time to be by ourselves and asking important questions: what do I like? What makes me happy? What makes me sad? Do I like myself? If not, what is it that I don’t like? How can I learn to like myself more? What do I enjoy doing? What brings me joy? What are the most important things to me?
Personally, when I’ve taken the time to do this, I’m first of all amazed at how infrequently I do it. Life is so busy, and so many of us are just trying to survive and keep our heads above water with all our responsibilities: work, children, family, friends, obligations – all the while trying to make space to have a bit of fun too – that we don’t always take stock of what we need to sustain our inner selves.
Ade Hassan and Baby Boy @itsadehassan
I remember a couple years after having my child, and a very intense period with my business, the world was opening up post-covid, I realised something was amiss, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I was having a chat with my sister, and I mentioned I didn’t really feel like myself any more. She challenged me to think about what makes me happy and do one thing once a week that was just for me, and only me. It forced me to think about what I liked, and to think about something that I could do that just revolved around me.
Image from Black Femininity (Tumblr)
Life is always moving so fast, and especially as we collectively move out of the trauma that was the intense pandemic period, life has changed, and so have we.
If you keep a journal, use the questions below as a prompt. If you’re not into journalling, take some time and just think through the answers. If something in particular jumps out at you, maybe make a note of it on your phone or a notebook.
What do I like?
What do I like doing for fun?
What makes me happy?
What makes me sad?
Do I like myself?
If not, what is it that I don’t like?
How can I learn to like myself more?
What do I enjoy doing?
What brings me joy?
What are the most important things to me?
My challenge is to pick just one thing that might help you get to know / engage yourself a bit better. Maybe it’s that art makes you happy, then find your local museum and try to go once a month. Maybe you like gardening, but you live in a flat, try a house plant. It doesn’t really matter what it is, as long as it helps you connect with the most important person in your life – you.
Then as you get to know yourself and what makes you tick, it becomes easier to understand what you actually need to practice self-care, self-love and self-acceptance.
Nubian Skin Cotton Collection
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey asked Quinta Brunson, “What’s a question you think every woman should ask herself?”. She responded, “Do I really like myself when I’m in my room by myself? It’s the secret key to freedom. Not 'Does this guy like me?' or 'this girl' or 'this company'—do I actually enjoy who I am by myself with myself? If the answer is no, then you do some work to make sure you do.”
This year, I hope we take the time to get to know ourselves and ultimately fall in love with ourselves over and over again.
Here are some Detox Teas & Foods for our
Mindful January
There are a variety of teas that can help with detoxifying the body. Some popular options include:
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Dandelion root tea: Dandelion root is a natural diuretic, which can help to flush out toxins from the liver and kidneys. It also contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from the effects of free radicals.
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Lemon ginger tea: Lemon ginger tea is a great detox tea as it contains gingerol and shogaols, which are anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to speed up the metabolism and flush out toxins. Lemon also adds Vitamin C and antioxidants which support the immune system.
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Green tea: Green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that can help to protect the body from the effects of free radicals. It also contains caffeine, which can help to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
All these teas have great benefits on their own, drinking them regularly could help to support the body's natural detox processes and promote overall health and well-being.
A detox reset recipe is a type of meal plan or set of instructions for preparing foods that are designed to help the body eliminate toxins and reset its natural balance. These recipes often include a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and lean proteins, that are high in nutrients and low in processed ingredients. Some popular detox ingredients include leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and herbal teas. Many detox recipes also include specific instructions for preparing and combining these ingredients in ways that maximize their detoxifying properties.
Detox recipes can be used as a way to jumpstart a weight loss or health improvement program, or as a periodic "reset" to help the body maintain its natural balance. Detox recipes are often recommended as a way to improve energy levels, digestion, and overall health. However, it's important to note that detox diets should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can be restrictive and may not provide all the nutrients your body needs. It's also important to consult your doctor before going on any detox diet, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.