‍Well, it’s July and just like that, we’re more than halfway through the year. How is that possible?! Earlier this year, Mom and I set out to create the Year of Self Care Guide as a practical way to help women (including us!) make 2023 the “Year of You.” Since we’re over halfway through the year and guide we want to check in with you. How’s your year going?

“The days are long, but the years are short.” ~Gretchen Rubin

As a kid, I was astonished when adults didn’t seem to know their own age. Now, I am that “grown-up!” And I can definitely relate!

Despite my best efforts to be present, time still slips between my fingers like water. Being human, it’s easy to get carried away by my latest distraction—watching Below Deck in all my spare time and unintentionally opening Instagram every other time I touch my phone. If I don’t stop to check in with myself on a regular basis, it’s easy to get lost on a path I don’t want (or need) to be on. 

Why You Need a Check In

Checking in with ourselves is a powerful way to practice self care and mindfulness. When we intentionally pause and sit with ourselves, we are able to discover what we need, what we’re lacking, what we want (and don’t want)

If what you’re doing isn’t giving you the reality you want, only you can take steps to change it—awareness and action are key. This month, intentionally take time to check in with yourself and reflect on where you were earlier this year, where you are now, and where you want to be. 

Prompts to Check In With Yourself

Grab your journal and use these prompts to start a conversation with yourself. 

1. What am I grateful for?
2. What is my intention today? Has it changed from by intention at the beginning of the year?
3. How am I feeling? Am I holding on to emotions or am I allowing them to flow through me?
4. Do I need rest, movement, connection, play, relaxation, or something else?
5. Am I living the reality I want? 
6. What needs to be changed or tweaked? 
7. If I could change one thing, what would it be?

If you haven’t been checking in with yourself on a regular basis—whether it be weekly, monthly, or quarterly—commit yourself to a frequency that works for you and schedule it on your calendar. 

More Ways to Practice Self Care This Month

It’s easy to believe self care is selfish, but it’s not. Not only is it a practice of self preservation but self care is also an act of self love. Here are a few ways to practice self care this month:

1. Take time to do something you enjoy WITHOUT guilt
2. Find kindness, compassion, and forgiveness for yourself
3. Give yourself permission to rest and relax without “earning it” (because you’re allowed to take it as needed)
4. Don't do something simply because you "should," and instead indulge in what you love
5. Cry, scream, or punch a pillow as much as you need to
6. Prioritize your sleep (I can’t recommend this one enough—I keep telling everyone I’m in my prioritized sleep era and it is AMAZING)

Whatever you do, know you're doing the best you can. In order to continue to take care of our responsibilities, we must allow ourselves moments of rest, relaxation, and renewal. There is no set formula for self care, it's what works for you. 

Come Back For More

This collection is part of our Year of Self Care Guide. Each month, you'll find a new collection of simple practices that will help you honor, love, forgive and prioritize yourself, week by week.

‍This blog is intended to provide helpful suggestions for self care and overall well-being. I am not a mental health professional. If you’re struggling I encourage you to seek the help of a professional. Find a Mental Health Professional | National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988