The Importance of Self-Worth and Self-Care

As of late, there have been a lot of challenges and past issues coming up to the surface for me. Before and even during the beginning part of my spiritual journey, I have always sacrificed myself many times in order to help others. Being there for my friends and family was very important to me, but what I didn't realize was in the process I was losing my self-worth and not valuing my own time & energy along the way. I did not understand that in life there was a very delicate act of balance. In order to be happy and at peace, one must receive just as much as give. Because I was over-giving unknowingly without speaking my truth (an under-active 5th Chakra, Throat Chakra), I was feeling drained all the time, resentful and unsatisfied with my life. I was taking on other people's "stuff" without knowing it.

I know that one of my lessons in this lifetime is to overcome these challenges and to balance myself by equally receiving as much as I give. The reasons why these issues have presented themselves to me is because I need to own my self-worth, to highly value myself and NOT feel guilty about it. 

As healers, as Lightworkers, as highly sensitive people...etc... We are hardwired to automatically give. It is in our nature because we want people to feel good. What we tend to forget about constantly is to have our own cups filled up FIRST in order to keep this flow and balance going. Otherwise, when you keep on giving this will drain you and you will start becoming angry or spiteful for it. It is called giving your power away and being taken advantage of (an under-active 3rd chakra, Solar Plexus). You are giving away your own self-worth and not valuing yourself to the fullest potential. We don't want that. We NEED you in order to elevate humanity and make our World a better place. 

So what are the ways to fill your own cup up? How do you overflow with Light and Love? 

Here are some of the steps that I take when I need to take care of myself:

1. Talk to God and your Angels through the art of journaling.  Whenever I feel stuck or out of balance, I go to my sacred space with my journal. First, I write the question down on what I need help with. "Dear God, I feel so resistant helping this person and I'm feeling depressed over it.  Why am I feeling this way?" Then I quiet my mind with meditation for 5 minutes to tune into my breath, my soul and my Higher Self. Then I go back to the journal and God writes back to me..."Dear Angela, you are feeling this way because you are feeling drained. It is important now to save your energy and focus on doing what you love..."  Allow the pen guide you, as you make the intention that God and Archangel Gabriel (the "Messenger of God") is talking through your pen. You will be amazed by the messages that come through the Universe.
2. Let go of the old in order to invite the new. Sometimes the imbalance is due to some things you haven't let go of from the past. Is there an old project that you haven't finished yet? Is there a piece of memorabilia that you are holding on to with bad memories attached to it? Are there old documents that still need to be shredded? Is there an outdated laptop that you haven't sold on ebay or donated yet? Are there old clothes that you haven't worn in over two years in your closet? I sure did. All these old energies were draining me. I was holding on to my past so tight (without realizing it) and not allowing myself to let go. As soon as I started releasing these old energies, new ones began to pop right out in front of me! Trust me, you will feel so amazing once you have released parts of your past. The future is now! How will you be able to move on and invite new, beautiful energies into your lives if you hold on tightly to things that don't serve you anymore? 
3. Let go of old ex-lovers and friends who do not serve you for your highest good. If you have anyone who drags you down, takes advantage of your "niceness" and who doesn't resonate with you anymore, you might want ask yourself why you are still holding on to that relationship. Is it worth your peace, happiness and prosperity? Does this person inspire, motivate and encourage you to be your own person and go after your dreams or is this person rude, sarcastic and negative? Do they put you down? Do they diminish your self-worth? Are they draining you? Buh-bye. Even when you detach and cut cords with these people, it is essential to reflect on why you had relationships with toxic people. Compassionately thank them. Forgive them. Give them Love as you let them go. Acknowledge the lessons that you have learned from them. Without them, you wouldn't be the awesome person that you are today. 
4. Have a daily spiritual practice where you have quiet time for yourself at least 15 minutes a day, preferably in the morning before anyone wakes up. This is when I meditate and ground myself, talk to God, my Angels, Ascended Masters, Guides and read through my daily intentions. It usually takes me 45 minutes to an hour to get through my own daily spiritual practice and by no means must you take that time for yourself. Just as long as you can tune in to your soul and set your intentions, you will be more focused for yourself throughout the day. If you feel overwhelmed during your day, go for a short walk and say hello to a tree, get outside of the stressful environment to breath or go to the restroom to close your eyes and connect with yourself. The world can be overwhelming and what we need to do more often is to recalibrate by quieting our minds. Ground yourself often. We also need to detach from the drama. Ask Archangel Michael to help you detach from fear. 
5. Acknowledge your senses and the present moment. The power of the present moment, the power of now is truly...powerful. For instance, let's say that you are stuck in your mind thinking about your "problem." When this comes up, it is important to redirect your mind onto YOURSELF and your SENSES. Start with something simple. What are you wearing and how does it make you feel? Describe the color of your clothing and why you chose that particular outfit. When you are out in nature, acknowledge the breeze blowing through your hair and thank it with Love. Feel the golden sun rays radiating your body and giving you more clarity. Enjoy the color of the blue sky and the clouds. Be grateful for all the things that are in front of you right at this PRESENT MOMENT. I highly suggest reading Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" if you haven't read it.  

There are so many other ways you can fill your own cup and overflow with Light. Go out into nature, exercise and get your energy (chi) flowing, go to a yoga class, go get a massage, go to the spa, hang out with friends who inspire you, read a book filled with Love, play with pets or animals, hang out with your kids, visualize your future filled with radiance, just BREATH...etc...

We are here on Earth to be happy and at peace. The only way to really do that is to start with self-care. It is absolutely essential that we prioritize loving and caring for ourselves.  And we are to do this WITHOUT GUILT!!! You are worth it. Please enjoy the being that you are and become the inspiring person you want to be for yourself.  When you do that, you allow your cup to overflow with Light and that is how you help heal the World. This is why we are here, Lightworkers. 

Much love to you and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Any comments below would be much appreciated.

Many blessings along your journey.

Love always,

Angela

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Angela is an Intuitive Energy Healer, an Angel Tarot Card Reader, a Kundalini Yoga Teacher , a Meditation Guide and a Spiritual Mentor living in Los Angeles, CA.  If you would like to book a session or to contact her, please click here.