The Exhilarating Challenge of Extreme Self Care
By Jennifer Snyder

For the past twelve years, I have devoured anything to do with the practice of self care. In 2002, my commitment extended to providing workshops and personal coaching on this topic that is so dear to my heart. Only recently, however, did the phrase “extreme self care” fully resonate with me.

As spring arrives and leads me to examine how I spent long winter evenings, I realize just how often I surfed our television channels. As you know, reality shows were popular this winter and while I faithfully watched only one, I spent more than a few moments being dazzled by human feats of bravery or what appeared to be potentially very painful. Since I loved watching Bodie Miller and his competition during 2002’s Winter Olympics, I decided one evening that Extreme Winter Sports might be interesting. If you’ve ever watched the show, you know that daring contestants don’t simply ski rapidly down a snowy hillside making sure to stay within the flags. These competitors can be found defying death by slaloming down frozen handrails at incredible rates of speed. Now that’s “extreme”!

On another occasion, with remote in hand, I discovered a program called Extreme Make-over. Participants on this show aren’t merely choosing a new color of eye shadow or receiving a new hairstyle. They crave a whole new look and procedures often include rhinoplasty, liposuction, and cosmetic dentistry. Individuals appear so rewarded by the results of their new exterior that I wonder if viewers truly appreciate the measures taken for this extreme makeover.

So what is extreme self care?

In my mind, extreme self care is the practice of fully committing to a nurturing regimen. It’s more than a “just enough” practice of self care. Extreme self care requires connecting with yourself on a daily basis, deciding what you need (serenity, exercise, support, rest, creativity, etc.), and then following through to make it happen.

Too often I see women leave workshops with the best of intentions to incorporate regular self care into their routines. We meet again only to discover that they are still not practicing what we so neatly outlined in the session. They have allowed themselves to fall back to the bottom of their to-do lists, getting caught up in guilt and the perceived lack of time. As a coaching client they would find consistent support and stay motivated to fully embody their goals and practices.

This concept of extreme self care requires a radical - or extreme - shift in one’s attitude. Like the Extreme Makeover participant, we must acknowledge, “I am worth it”. And, like the Extreme Sports competitor, we must proclaim, “I am going to achieve this!”

What would it take for you to practice extreme self care regularly? What do you know that you need more of in your life today?

Are you ready to make a radical shift in your thinking? Are you ready to begin a practice that will initially challenge you, but will change the way you see yourself?

If so, don’t let another opportunity slip by; email me to let me know if you’re committed to nurture yourself. In return, I will check in periodically to monitor your progress. Like an enthusiastic fan at an Extreme Sports event or a supportive friend during Extreme Makeovers, I am eager to serve as your cheerleader in this challenge of extreme self care. Why? Because you are worth it!