Creating Your Personalized Self-Care Toolkit
A Journey of Empowerment and Resilience
In 2016, I experienced a particularly challenging period that caused me to experience heightened Anxiety. It was during this time that I noticed one of my coping strategies was to grab some A3 paper and coloured pens and list things I could do to help me when I was struggling to recall what previously worked for me because I felt so overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation and impact. The A3 paper Blu-tacked to my bedroom wall gave me focus and a quick reference when needed.
From that point forward, an idea formed to create a card set to help others who were going through periods of stress and crisis, who may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, or experiencing memory issues, e.g. difficulty remembering what previous self-care strategies they liked and worked for them.
Thus, my thought process was that by creating the Self-Care Cards, I would be creating a meaningful, tactile and visual focus point that individuals like me could use and Blu Tack to their wall as a reminder of what worked for them rather than relying on loved ones or professionals telling them what to do thus nurturing independence, empowerment, positive self-efficacy and resilience.
A Unique Opportunity
The above unique opportunity is the distinctive component of the Self-Care Workbook and Self-Care Card Set. The ability to fundamentally understand and empathise from a lived-with-experience perspective whilst putting assessment measures in place to help individuals determine if the strategies are effective for them.
A Personalised Approach To Self-Care
What sets the Self-Care Workbook and Self-Care Card Deck apart is the ability of the reader to create a customised Self-Care Toolkit and Self-Care Plan based on their preferences and outcomes rather than someone telling them what to do, individuals are encouraged to explore and select strategies that resonate with them. This personalised approach ensures that the self-care journey is tailored to their specific needs and promotes a sense of ownership and agency.
A Global Support Network
Another compelling component is the Australian and Global Resource section at the back of the book, which provides links to support and resource services for those moments in the wee hours of the morning when everyone is asleep but you are wide awake and need to talk to someone; or for individuals at home experiencing challenging home life’s, or when you are travelling for business or pleasure and do not know who to contact or even where to start; the book provides a starting point to help you find the support you need.
As the Author of the beautiful and insightful Self-Care Workbook – Awareness, Action and Planning and Self-Care Card Deck – Awareness, Action and Planning, it is my genuine hope that these captivating, and engaging self-care products will help you develop Self-Care Awareness, Action and Planning skills and provide you with a sense of comfort, strength and courage during life’s challenges, and the motivation to keep going one step at a time.
I wish you every success and happiness on your journey and welcome the opportunity for you to connect and engage with me via my social media sites.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katherine is a Published Author and the Founder of Blu Ripples, a specialist Career Counselling and Consulting practice located in Port Stephens, NSW.
A nationally registered Career Development Specialist and Counsellor; she is a Professional Member of the Career Development Association of Australia and, Member of the Australian Counselling Association. Former CDAA NSW Committee Member; Graduate of RMIT and AIPC.
Katherine has worked in private practice since 2003 and, prior to that, worked in the corporate sector for 12 years, predominantly in Human Resources and Administration.
Originally Posted 12 Feb 2024, Updated 10 May 2024