This goes out to the “strong friends” of the group. Here’s my check-in to you. Ya’ll good? As we move into a new year, the theme is Radical Self-Care. In this blog post, we’re talking radical self-care and how we “strong friends” are reclaiming more than our time. We’re reclaiming our self-love language.
WHAT IS RADICAL SELF-CARE
Radical self-care is the affirmation that you will take care of yourself first before attempting to take care of others. It’s more than that spa day reel you posted on Instagram, or even the #softlife we see to TikTok. Radical self-care is a deep intentional practice of nurturing your needs and well-being. It’s about setting boundaries, listening to your body, and giving yourself permission to rest and rejuvenate. It’s true what they say, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” So, radical self-care is about making sure your cup stays full.
SETTING YOUR INTENTIONS USING RADICAL SELF-CARE FOR THE NEW YEAR
This theme is all about living in our love languages. So, before the clock strikes midnight, reflect on what brings you joy and fulfillment. Set intentions that focus not just on achievements, but on how you want to feel and what you need for your mental and emotional well-being. Make these intentions a part of your daily routine, ensuring they are aligned with taking care of yourself holistically.
BAKING PUPCAKES AS A MINDFULNESS PRACTICE
Mindfulness is at the center of radical self-care. If I said it once, I’ve said it a million times. Baking pupcakes is a mindfulness practice and a love language. It’s a great way to nurture those intentions and center yourself in the present moment. Measuring, mixing, and creating something from scratch is therapeutic.
6 REASONS BONDING WITH YOUR DOG IS RADICAL SELF-CARE
Sugar is more than just my dog. She’s family. As most dog moms realize, time with your dog is always an experience. In fact, spending time bonding with your dog is actually an act of radical of self-care because:
Unconditional Love and Emotional Support
Dogs offer unconditional love and consistent companionship, which can be incredibly comforting, especially for us “strong friends” who are often the primary support for others. This unconditional love acts as a steady source of emotional support, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and providing a sense of being understood and valued.
Encourages Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness
Dogs live in the moment, and their behavior often encourages us to do the same. Spending time with your dog, whether playing, walking, or just relaxing together, can help ground you in the present moment. This mindfulness is a crucial aspect of self-care, as it allows you to take a break from stressors and anxieties about the past or future.
Promotes Physical Activity
Dogs require regular exercise, which in turn can encourage us to be more physically active. Activities like walking or playing with a dog can boost physical health, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being. This physical aspect of dog care is a form of self-care that contributes to both mental and physical health.
Routine and Structure
Caring for your dog involves a consistent routine of feeding, walking, and grooming. This structure can bring a sense of order and purpose to a person’s life. It’s also valuable for those who might struggle with self-discipline or feel overwhelmed by the chaos of daily responsibilities.
Teaches Compassion and Patience
Dogs often teach us about patience, compassion, and understanding. These qualities are essential for self-care, as they encourage a more nurturing and forgiving attitude towards oneself.
Social Engagement and Community Connection
Dog moms often engage with other dog moms, whether in parks, at the vet, or in pet stores. This can lead to a sense of community and belonging, which is vital for mental health and can be especially meaningful for those who usually find themselves in caregiving roles for others.
WAYS TO PRACTICE RADICAL SELF-CARE WITH YOUR DOG & PUPCAKES
Bake Pupcakes
Use the time you’re baking pupcakes to slow down and take a break. Following a recipe takes focus and concentration, which makes it a great mindfulness practice. Sometimes we focus so much on our goals, that we forget to have fun in the journey and trust the process. Baking is a great way to help us practice the joy of the journey.
Bonding Time
While the pupcakes are baking in the oven, take a few minutes to play with your dog. Most pupcakes don’t take a long time to bake. So, taking a few moments to play around or cuddle with your dog is a way to keep the mindfulness practice going.
Gratitude Baking
Gratitude baking is taking the time to show appreciation to everything and everyone who contributed to your pupcake baking experience. The food, ingredients, the kitchen, the mixing bowl, and anything you can think of that contributed to your pupcake. Use this time to focus on all the things you’re grateful for, including your dog. It’s a great chance to get creative with your gratitude practice.
Quick Walk
Pupcakes will need to cool before you frost them. So, take a quick walk outside with your dog while they’re cooling on the rack. It’s a great way for you and your dog to get out of the house for a few minutes and get some exercise. Plus, there’s a nice treat for your dog when you both get back.
Share Joy
Share your pupcakes with other dogs. Giving is also a wonderful form of self-care. So, share your pupcakes with another dog mom and her dog. It’s also a great way to build community by passing joy to others.
SOUL HOLIDAY PUPCAKES FOR SETTING INTENTIONS
Speaking of setting intentions, it wouldn’t be New Year’s dinner if I didn’t have collard greens and black-eyed peas for my meal. And there’s no way Sugar’s going to be left out of the traditional celebratory meal. Especially, since these foods are also nutritious. Collard greens symbolizes wealth and prosperity while black-eyed peas symbolize good luck. So, of course I had to turn it into a pupcake for her. Straight from the eBook, Pupcake Soul: Recipes to Celebrate Us and a Few Love Stories to Go with Them, these Soul Holiday Pupcakes are the perfect way let your dog in on the action.
Radical self-care is an evolving journey. It’s an act of patience, love, and gratitude. Baking and spending quality time with your dog are two great ways to be intentional about your self-care practice. As you move forward into the new year, be intentional, live in your love language, and be joyful.
What’s your act of radical self-care this year? How are you incorporating it through pupcakes or spending time with your dog? We’d love to hear your story. Share your pupcake cuddle stories with us @pupcakesugar.
