Age: I am a proud 39 & 10 months! 40 on September 1st!!!
Noire Care practice (your self care practice(s)): God/Church, Working out, Therapy
How long have you been practicing? I’ve always had a relationship with God but I just found a church home and a place I feel comfortable and safe to worship in this past May. I’ve been working out off and on since I was in my late twenties. I’ve been in Therapy since October 2015.
Who or what introduced you to it? I started attending church with the man I am currently in relationship with. I started working out for vanity when I saw some things in the mirror I didn’t like. While watching me fail at dealing with an extremely difficult situation while falling into depression, a very good girlfriend did some research on my behalf and found my therapist for me.
What is the best way for a beginner to get started? Are there low/no cost ways to getting started? God is within you. All you have to do is slow down and listen for Him. Working out is EASY – just do it!! Join a gym, run on a track, get some DVD’s, find online programs, hire a trainer – there are endless possibilities and numerous ways to make it free/low cost. As for therapy, you have to find yourself at a place where you are READY to do some hard work and discover new things about yourself. You might be able to find a therapist who works on a sliding scale or maybe a community organization, the cost will vary.
How often do you practice? I pray & read the bible daily, numerous times per day, and attend church service every Sunday and some Thursday evenings. I aim to workout at least 5 times per week and am very happy when I can get more in; I also do not get down on myself when I get less than 5 in. I meet with my therapist for 45 minutes every Thursday evening.
Where do you practice? Prayer & bible study can be done anywhere and everywhere and I attend Abundant Life Family Worship Church in New Brunswick, NJ. I belong to Retro Fitness & Planet Fitness, I attend various bootcamps & classes around the city and I will occasionally workout at home. My therapist’s office is located in Midtown Manhattan.
Is this something you can enjoy with others or do you prefer the solitude? Prayer and working out can be done with or without company. Depending on what I’m feeling/going through I may or may not choose to include someone in those spaces. Church is all about fellowship; it is a community affair. Therapy is all about ME!! I have zero desire to allow anyone in that space.
How does this practice make you better? I now have outlets to release my tensions/frustrations. I now have a place to receive honest and constructive feedback. My confidence level is soaring.
Did you grow up witnessing your mother, aunties or any women in your life consistently taking time to do something just for them? I watched my mother drink and party every weekend of her life when I was a teenager. She never cared that it bothered us kids it was just what she did so I imagine that was for her. My grandmother was older and pretty much blocked everyone out. I guess she felt like she wanted to enjoy her twilight years without everyone else’s drama. That had to be for her. My aunt was miserable! She did everything for her husband and son and was always angry/in the mood to fight. I don’t think I ever saw her do anything that was just for her.
Where can our sisters follow and learn more about you? (Instagram, snapchat, blog, etc.) Facebook – Asia Kiel IG – @lyvv_luvv_laff Snapchat – Asia9769
Anything you might like to add? I recently decided that folks that require too much of my energy to maintain friendships with have to go!! The reality is people often grow up and apart. It is so critical to surround yourself with likeminded, likespirited, likewiiled (see I’m making up words!) people. Without intention, people can be toxic….literally suck the life out of you. Even if you hurt some folks in the process, it is critical that you allow only healthy relationships in your life and dump whatever is not good for your spirit.
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