An ALTERNATIVE International Women's Day Message
The fact that we have to be reminded to relax is slightly worrying, don’t you think?
With it being Mother’s Day here in the U.K this Sunday, we don’t have to dive too deep into the racks of cards to find statements like ‘pamper yourself’ and ‘you deserve a day off’.
While the sentiment behind these messages is nice, something isn’t sitting quite right with me.
Typically, with it being International Women’s Day today, I’d be inclined to write a post about empowerment, strength and changing the world. But I’m beginning to realise that there’s a huge part of that message which is being left out.
We’re being told to ‘keep on keeping on’ because of how important what we’re doing is (#truth) but yet in doing so, we’re neglecting the very vessel which is to deliver all this goodness.
“…Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
As if we needed reminding, it’s important to note that being carriers of the Holy Spirit’s presence is no joke.
And yet, here we are, stringing ourselves out on unhealthy food (because convenience), little sleep (because we’re excited about #allthethings) and barely any exercise (because working from home sometimes looks like not even leaving your house for a couple of days.)
Now I KNOW there are people who do self-care well. I know there are business owners who have that part of things DOWN. But I’m sure there are others who could do with a little pep talk. (It can’t only be my hand raised right now…)
Yesterday I was scrolling my Instagram feed and stumbled across this beautiful post from my friend Kaela (@kaelabonnie). I loved it. And to be honest it got me thinking pretty hard about this whole self-care and self-love thing.
What does self-care look like for YOU right now?
When did YOU last go on a little self-care spree?
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the ONLY way we practice self-care is by spending money (although sometimes it will be.) But I AM saying that my mum got me a pedicure kit for Christmas which I still haven’t used because I ‘haven’t got around to it yet’.
Here’s the thing… If there was a brand new training or course or something on an area of my business I’m looking to scale, I’m pretty sure I’d have found the time just fine.
That has got to stop.
Whether it’s going for a walk, taking a bath, reading a book or buying some stuff to pamper yourself with, it’s time to love yourself a bit more. So just like the Mother’s Day cards, I’m here to remind us.
Of COURSE you’ve got world-changing plans for days. That’s the sort of woman you are – you’re incredible and I can’t wait to see and hear what you’re bringing to this world whether it’s business, babies, both or everything in between.
But regardless of what it looks like for you, you’re going to need to realise that you’re not changing anyone’s world running on lukewarm coffee and a breakfast bar.
At least not for very long…
As if we needed any further proof, let’s take a snapshot of the life of JESUS real quick… There are countless times in scripture where it’s documented that the crowd were pressing against Him wanting more of His attention, His time, His resources, His gifting and yet Jesus saw it as far more important to slip off and pray. (Check out Luke 5:16, for example.)
The demand for Him hadn’t disappeared and the demand for you and your work won’t either. But that’s not the point.
So today’s International Women’s Day message is dedicated to you loving on you a little harder.
It’s about you taking some time for yourself and not feeling guilty about it.
It’s about SELF care. Because I know you already know how to care for everyone else – you do it all the time.
Take the bath, buy the flowers, go on the walk, have the massage.
Saving the planet can happen tomorrow.
The world is waiting for your work (and is waiting for you to be the best you can be to share it!)
P.S. We as women seem to be far better at giving than we are receiving, am I right? Even though you’re wonder woman and you totally COULD rock this online business thing all by yourself, it’s not the worst thing in the world to ask for a little help now and again (another form of self-care!) In fact, I JUST went live with a power-packed training in the private Facebook Group for my monthly membership program Biblical Business Academy and we were talking about what it means to be OPEN to wise counsel. If you’re interested in learning a little more about this, plus some other key strategies for building a BIBLICAL business, you can still jump into the Academy at the founder’s rate. (But only until the end of this week!) Click HERE or the button below to learn more and sign up.
HEY! I’m Naomi, Business Coach for High-Level Female Entrepreneurs & Founder of Living Word League.
I coach, write, teach and run programs which infuse practical strategies with Biblical principles (which I personally think is the best rule of thumb for success.) I moved from a 7-year High School teaching career, to building and scaling my business after starting out as a hobby-status blogger in 2011. Within months, I was able to go totally full time and haven't looked back. My success, as someone who previously would have never seen myself as an entrepreneur means that I'm now beyond passionate about business being an expression of Kingdom-building here on earth. Hobby status and inconsistent feast to famine months aren't cutting it for you anymore right? You're meant for a business which has faith as your foundation AND soars with success. That's where I come in.
Click HERE to learn more about working with me.