Spreading the Good Stuff for Self Love
Earlier this year I was blessed when my Splendid Word partner in crime, Leonie Canham gifted me with a copy of Kim Morrison’s book The Art of Self Love.
I knew of Kim from the fabulous Up For a Chat podcast – of which I have been a long-time fan – and I also use her divine Twenty8 Essential Oils. And now her book has become one of the most dog-eared on my book shelf.
The Art of Self Love was a true gift, and a revelation at a time when I was probably feeling my most vulnerable.
Following a challenging period as a parent, and despite telling myself over and over that I was positive and strong enough, I was literally buckling under the weight of self-judgement and criticism.
I found myself unable to find a way out of the rut – a place I am sure many of us have been before.
Essentially, I was feeling guilt and shame and was really struggling to find the positive in anything – in both my personal and professional life – and this was a very unusual and uncomfortable place for me.
I had also lost confidence in my ability to achieve anything, in either my work life or as a parent.
The first think that Kim’s book taught me was that it is okay to fail and feel shame and vulnerability, despite this being a space of discomfort that most of us usually run and hide from.
Facing the fear and vulnerability was the first step, and not letting it define me was also key.
Kim’s message around facing your vulnerabilities and perceived failures really hit home for me at a time when I felt defined by circumstance in my life and judged myself accordingly.
In the past I had read similar themed books and listened to many a podcast on this subject – the incredible Brene Brown comes to mind here – however Kim’s story really resonated with me and her ability to find a way through the dark maze of self-doubt simply by practising self-care.
I finished her book in a week and it changed my outlook almost instantly. As a bonus, it also helped me rediscover my connection to essential oils, realise that I was merely dabbling in this space previously, and that there really IS power and comfort to be found in the right oil for what you need at the time. Reconnecting with essential oils has now become a non-negotiable, self-care ritual for me and can’t wait to learn more about this on Sunday at The Art of Self Love – An Afternoon with Kim Morrison.
How lucky we are that local wellness advocates Liz Sefton at The Nourishing Home and Suzy McCleary from Echuca Family Acupuncture have joined forces to bring this incredible self-love expert to our region.
Sunday’s event at Moama Bowling Club will essentially be a lesson in self-love, where Kim will share the numerous challenges she has overcome in her life by using the power of self-care.
Kim is passionate about the fact that we are ALL capable of being our best selves and this event promises inspiration, authenticity, humour and high energy in spades, as well as practical tools and solutions to life’s ups and downs.
Kim’s bio is impressive and her journey, and all she has accomplished to date, will no doubt inspire and leave us all empowered to take better care of ourselves.
The afternoon will also feature life and career coach Tash Spencer, who has a background in psychology and social work, and supports women to get unstuck, rediscover their skills, passions and talents, and lead meaningful lives and careers doing what they love.
A portion of proceeds from the day will go towards the Love Me Love You Foundation – a non-profit organisation that provides interactive and engaging programs to help young adults to take control of their mental well-being and to live happier, more fulfilling lives. Founder of the foundation and former AFL player, Lance Picioane, will be on hand Sunday to discuss his own personal challenges and how he found a way through his coping mechanism of partying and substance abuse during his battle with depression and anxiety. This event will directly support Love Me Love You workshops, which will be delivered in our local region by trained facilitators based on real life experiences. In addition, there will also be a variety of exhibitors who have the ability to help you on your wellness journey… plus a fabulous goodie bag and amazing door prizes.
What a great way to practise the art of self-love: with experts in their field, in a room full of people determined to live their best life. This is the ultimate gift to yourself!
Can’t wait to see you all there Sunday,
Christy
xo