As we are all complex and unique human beings, the act of showing up for yourself is unique to each person. Here are a few ways I do this for myself and perhaps can inspire your own process.

• Saying no.
  Allowing myself to decline invites for zoom get-togethers because sometimes I just don’t have the energy for another zoom meeting and knowing that this doesn’t mean I don’t care about or love the people on the other end, it just means that for the time being, what I need is to lean into myself.
• Having that extra dessert.
  Sometimes another slice of pie is just what is needed to fill my stomach and my heart and there is no room for shame to rest. Honoring our needs also means honoring what our bodies need.
• Leaving the cell phone at home.
  Disconnecting and taking time with myself is incredibly healing for me. I started this as a practice when I take my dog for walks and it allows me to be truly present and to see the beauty in my surroundings that I probably would not have seen otherwise.
• Accept the feelings as they are.
  Sometimes the more uncomfortable feelings arise like sadness and frustration and rather than try to ignore or fight them away, I work to lean into them. I tell someone else what’s on my heart knowing that the more I try to fight the feelings, the harder I will struggle. And for me, that is energy I would rather preserve.

In a time when it feels like everyday presents a new and enduring challenge, our mental health is in need of the light. There is no shame in saying that some moments are harder than others. As we embark on this journey day by day, it is always important to be gentle with ourselves and know that healing is a journey that requires forgiveness and grace.

So let this be a call to action of self. If you haven’t asked yourself already, take a moment to stop and reflect on how you honor yourself, how you care for yourself, and how you show love to yourself. Because in the end, no one can do this for you but you.