A Fresh Perspective
When I talk about renewal, I am talking about refreshing, re-energizing, and making new. In life, we need to stay renewed in order to be at our best; Covey says that we need to preserve our greatest asset, which is ourselves, and renew "the four dimensions of your nature- physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional," (Covey, p.147). Through this blog, I have talked about how we need to find innovative ways to renew our oceans and our lifestyles to preserve what we can, but now, it is time we look at ourselves. How do we practice self-renewal?
Taking care of ourselves can be hard, especially when we want to create so much change and are dedicated to each other; however, when we do renew ourselves, we are keeping ourselves sustained and aligned with our values. Being dedicated to preserving and sustaining ourselves by ensuring that we put good in while putting good out is important for our well-being and our relationships with those around us. Luckily, we are able to find products, guidance, support, and health options that surround us and that are sustainable in order to keep our oceans clean while taking care of ourselves in the cleanest way too. Did you know that many times our skincare products contain microbeads, another form of microplastics? These bits of plastic make their way down our drains and into the oceans, later being mistaken as food by marine animals. Microbeads in skincare products are used as "an abrasive element," which can tear at your skin and cause fine lines and wrinkles, having more of a negative impact overall than a benefit to skin and beauty products, (Marie, 2022).
The need for renewal is essential in maintaining a supportive and collaborative environment not only in the ocean and for marine life but also for ourselves. The most essential thing we can do is make the "investment in ourselves, in the only instrument we have with which to deal with life and contribute," which means keeping your four dimensions balanced and taking the time and investment to grow and become your best self and a contributing member of a community, (Covey, p. 147). I think that as we continue to change our habits, and renew our ocean environments, we need to remember that the most important aspect of keeping our movement alive is ourselves. This helps us keep our ideas following and brings positive energy back into the group.
When focusing on balancing your four dimensions, you are able to focus on your growth and how you can renew and realign yourself and your values to be the best educator, leader, and person you can be. The only person who can hold yourself accountable is you but as you learn to balance this out in everyday life, it becomes easier and part of your routines and habits. Like the ocean environment, your body wants to work as one, each dimension synergizing with the others growing as one. This week I challenge you to, FIRST, evaluate your physical, spiritual, mental, or social/emotional dimensions and see what aspects in your life need to be renewed, SECOND, I challenge you to take a day off to realign yourself- go on a hike, take a yoga class, go out with friends, paint, find things that will renew your values, your perspective and make you your happiest so that you are growing and being the best you that you can be. LASTLY, share the fun and support with the hashtag #thegreatestassest!
Resources
Marie, G. (2022). Microplastics in Cosmetics: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from:
Image Source
Teen Talk. (2020). International Self-Care Day. Retrieved from:
https://teentalk.ca/2020/07/20/international-self-care-day-2/
Comments
Post a Comment