Self-Care Corner: Valleys and Mountains

As this year comes to a close, like many others, I’ve been reflecting on my own “valleys and mountains.” You know, those moments when you feel like you can't get back up, and those times you wish would never end. Instead of harshly judging myself for what I could have done differently or how I might have changed things, I’ve been taking the time to observe how I treated myself during those moments.

When I found myself in a valley, did I show myself compassion and try to see beyond the situation, or did I criticize myself and silence my voice to please others? And during the mountains (those big wins) did I allow myself to feel proud and excited, or did I focus solely on what was still left to do and how long the process took?

I’ll admit, I’ve done both and if I’m being honest mostly on the negative side. But in taking the time to recognize how I responded, whether I embraced myself or pushed myself away, I’m showing myself self-care. As the new year approaches, I hope we all take a moment to reflect on how we show up for ourselves, both in our valleys and on our mountains.

The truth is that our kindness is needed in both places. Regardless of the outcomes, we deserve the same grace and love we so freely extend to others. As this year ends and the next is on the horizon, I’m choosing to focus less on creating the mountains and avoiding the valleys and more so on treating myself with the patience and compassion we all deserve in every moment whether good or bad.

May this new year be the one where you give yourself all the patience, love, and kindness you truly deserve.