March 29, 2025
Hello Survivors and Friends,
You are important!
I’m not sure if you needed to hear that right now, but you are important. And I want to take a moment to acknowledge just how much strength and courage it takes to be where you are right now. Whether you’re still finding your way or taking steps forward in your healing, you’re doing something remarkable just by showing up for yourself.
Healing from relationship abuse is no easy path, and it’s often filled with turbulence and uncertainty. But here’s a truth I want you to hear loud and clear: you deserve care, kindness, and compassion, especially from yourself. That’s why I’d like to share some small, daily self-care rituals to help nurture your well-being and reconnect with your inner strength. These tips are simple and manageable because caring for yourself should never feel overwhelming.
Start Small, Start Gentle:
Self-care doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. It’s often the tiny, everyday things that create the greatest impact over time. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Begin Your Day With a Gentle Check-In
When you wake up, take just a minute to ask yourself, “How do I feel today?” You don’t have to force answers or fix anything. Instead, acknowledge whatever emotions surface without judgment. Whether you’re feeling heavy, neutral, or hopeful, know that all feelings are valid, and simply naming them can be an act of self-connection.
2. Try a Simple Breathing Ritual
Stress and anxiety often linger long after an abusive relationship, but even a small grounding tool can make a difference. Spend two minutes focusing on your breath. Breathe in deeply while silently saying, “I am safe” and exhale slowly with, “I release what I don’t need.” This can help calm your nervous system and remind your body that safety is now possible.
3. Nourish Your Body With Intention
Even if eating feels like one more task, try to choose at least one meal or snack today that feels nourishing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Maybe it’s a warm bowl of soup, your favorite fruit, or even a comforting cup of tea. When you eat or drink, pause to remind yourself, “I am offering my body what it deserves.”
4. Create a “Safe Space” Ritual
Choose one spot in your home that can serve as your sanctuary. It doesn’t need to be fancy or large. Maybe it’s a cozy corner with a soft blanket, a journal, or even just a candle. Spend 5-10 minutes a day in this space, doing something that soothes you. Reading, sketching, meditating, or simply resting here can help you reconnect with feelings of safety.
5. Reflect on One Thing You’re Proud Of
At the end of each day, reflect on one thing you’ve done that you’re proud of. It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. Did you brush your hair today? That counts. Did you set a boundary? Incredible. Write it down if you can. Over time, these small wins remind you how much progress you’re making, even on hard days.
A Gentle Reminder About Self-Care and Guilt
I know that prioritizing yourself might feel foreign, especially if you’ve been conditioned to believe your needs don’t matter. But they do. You deserve love, gentleness, and care—not just from others, but from yourself. Self-care is not selfish; it’s an essential part of reclaiming your peace and healing from what you’ve endured.
Living Your Resilience, One Step at a Time
Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Progress isn’t a straight line, but every small step counts. You’re more resilient than you might feel in this moment, and each act of care you give yourself is a powerful reminder of that.
Today, I invite you to take just one small step. Pick one of these rituals (or create your own) and give it a try. You don’t have to do it perfectly or stick to it every day. Just take it at your pace, knowing that every effort matters.
You are not alone in this. You are strong, and you are worthy of all the love and care you so freely give to others.
With blessings and healing,