Late last year, I suffered the loss of my father and my 20-year old cousin. A self-care partner is what helped get me through these difficult times. Society, cultural background, and the environments that we live in teach us the value of independence. However, independence can be a lonely place. I once read the value of interdependence which means that you learn how to function doing things on your own as well as doing things with the help of others. I am here to tell you why this is so important and how to go about enlisting a self-care partner.
My self-care needs have not been the same needs as my friend’s are or as my husband’s are. However, we are aligned in that we value self-care and we know it is important to function and a big part of loving yourself. In the midst of the challenges we all face, we are staying aligned and communicating frequently asking each other how we are doing and if there is something we need from the other person to help us achieve the self-care that we each desire. This has been so helpful and so rewarding in enhancing ties and connection. Surrounding yourself with people who are kind, caring and supportive can make a world of a difference in helping you achieve self-care.
Have Similar Self-Care Goals and Values
The first thing you must do is surround yourself with people that share in the same values as you. Having friends, partners, family that value the same things you do makes for a smoother road to be on together. Having similar goals and values helps you stay aligned with your friendships and it allows you to be understanding of each other. That is not to say that you cannot have partners with different values but at some point some values are shared in common.
Make A Commitment
The second thing to do is to ask for commitment from your friendships. Will they be encouraging during your road to self-care? Do they need you to be encouraging to them and what does this look like for the both of you? It is important to be clear on what the both of you want and need on your self-care journey together.
Schedule The Time for Self-Care Check-Ins
The final thing is to schedule the time to stay in touch and continue the momentum. Staying in constant communication and defining what that communication will be like for the both of you is what will help you achieve those goals and live a lifelong journey of self-care. It will help change and define your life in a healthier manner and create a bond of self-love, self-care, and kindess. Who will you bring into your self-care world today?