There’s what we want. And then there’s what is.

Life is filled with beautiful flowers. And then there are the weeds. And nobody can protect us from the weeds, dry soil, and rocky ground in the gardens of our lives. There’s no fence tall enough to keep out unwanted intrusions, emotions, and experiences.

How do we deal with the weeds? What strategies can help us notice the beauty, colors, and fragrances of the flowers and trees? How might we deal with the weeds when we first notice them, before they get too big and potentially destructive?

Of course, putting the metaphors aside, here’s the big question: How do we learn to take care of the gardens of our own day-to-day lives? Sooner or later we learn, sometimes the hard way, that nobody can do our self-care for us:

Yes, there’s what you want and what is. Yet in each moment, you can choose how you see yourself and the world around you (Miller, 2021). And although others can support and cheer you on, it’s on you to care for your own garden.

What do you need for self-care? There are many pathways to self-care and thriving. Here are a few:

1. Connecting With Your........

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