Fundamentals: The First F-Word of Life

Fundamentals

/ˌfəndəˈmen(t)əls/ noun serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function

The First of The F Words of Life is often the most overlooked in our busy, instant gratification, social media centered world. And yet as you read the definition above, it is absolutely the critical starting point in achieving or experiencing anything else in your life at the highest levels.

So let's dive in... what do the Fundamentals consist of? At the heart of it, they are the things you do daily and weekly that feed your mental and emotional health. We call this self-care or self-love. Ask yourself this, how are you filling yourself up, so that you might live your fullest potential, as well as be of service to others?

The Fundamentals show up in the components of some of the other main F Words of Life. For example, your Faith and your Fitness (overall health) are absolutely critical to the Fundamentals of your life. But right now, I'm just talking about the basic level, before we even get to that level of them on their own. What are you doing to just demonstrate basic level self-care?

Or maybe an easier question is, what are you going that goes against basic self-care. For example:

• Are you critical of yourself every time you look in the mirror?
• Do you deflect compliments as your default reaction?
• Do you wake up with gratitude or heavy with obligation?
• Are you confident in your ability to figure things out?
• Do you recognize your individuality and your unique gifts?
• Ultimately, how do you feel about YOU?

The Fundamentals are the basic building blocks of who you are and how you feel and think about yourself. Now basic doesn't mean simple to the point of being unimportant. It is quite the opposite. Basic means this is the core foundation upon all other is built. Without a solid foundation, the other parts of the F Words of your Life are inevitably going to crumble in some form.

For example, if you do not have a true level of self-love, or aren't at least working towards that in an intentional way, how can you truly help or serve other people? #Faith

If you do not value yourself, will you truly honor your body with a healthy activity level? Now, you may be extremely fit currently and work out like crazy. However, are you doing it to honor your body and to feel good and be healthy for those you love? Or are you doing it out of fear and lack because you actually don't like and accept yourself fully for who you are right now? #Fitness

Here is another way to look at the Fundamentals. Picture yourself on an airplane, before it takes off. What happens? The flight attendant comes on over the loud speaker and gives instructions about the plane, specifically what to do if there is an emergency. One instance of that is if we lose cabin pressure, the oxygen masks will deploy. And if you are traveling with a child or someone who will need your assistance, what is the specific instruction?

"Put your oxygen mask on first, before trying to assist anyone else."

Why? Because if you don't, you will all lack ample oxygen and the consequences could be quite substantial. So the Fundamentals of self-care in your day to day life are exactly the same. Put your oxygen mask on first, SO THAT you can be the best version of yourself to be there to assist and serve others.

So how do we cultivate the Fundamentals to be the strongest and most vital that they can be? Here are some simple ways to start reinforcing your own Fundamentals of Life:

1. Read a blog that inspires you daily (add this one to your list now) :)
2. Spend 10 minutes doing something that is just for you --> Self Care, not selfish
3. Listen to your favorite song or music that lifts your mood
4. Use affirmations and declarations of your Truth (see some examples below)
5. Read a book - just for FUN
6. Go for a 15 minute walk
7. Go to a bookstore or coffee place
8. Color with gel pens or colored pencils
9. Go to the beach or a park and just sit and breathe
10. Journal

These are so "simple" to do. Yet what is even simpler? NOT doing any of them.

So it's time to take care of you.  It's time to Focus on your own Fundamentals.

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Brenda F Reynolds
Founder & Owner
The F Words of Life

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