April 3, 2018
Whether it’s practicing gratitude, taking time to exercise, or watching empowering shows like Queer Eye, there’s nothing like that warm glow of pride we feel when we’ve made a positive change in our lives—and when see someone in our lives catch on and improve theirs, too.
The choices we make, the brands we identify with, and the people we surround ourselves with set the tone for who we aspire to be and can raise the collective consciousness of those around us.
Today, it’s with pride we share that you—someone who openly prioritizes and celebrates self-care—have grown Shine to 2 million people in our first 2 years.
Thanks to you, what started as two co-workers getting real over coffee has now grown into a daily text that reaches people across 189 countries.
You’ve shown others that self-care starts from a place of strength, not weakness. And you’ve created your own support network along the way. In a recent Shine survey, 74 percent of you said you feel less alone in your struggles today than you did two years ago.
Self-care starts from a place of strength, not weakness.
We Started a Conversation, But You Took the Mic
When we created Shine, we were tired of feeling alone in the things we knew so many other people (often, the people right next to us) were going through, too.
We were tired of hiding our hangups in the name of perfection.
All 2 million of you decided you're done pretending you’re “great" 24/7—you're more interested in real conversations about your struggles and the growth that comes from acceptance.
According to our recent survey, 91 percent of you said self-care is more important to you today than it was two years ago. And 86 percent of you said you developed a deeper understanding of yourself over the past two years.
91 percent of Shine members said self-care is more important to them today than it was two years ago.
This kind of growth doesn’t happen without intention. You decided not to just get up in the morning, but to rise up and Shine, every single day.
You've Had a Big Two Years
Here are a few other things you shared with us:
In the past 2 years:
●︎ 57% of you have made a new friend
●︎ 52% of you have struggled financially
●︎ 42% of you have experienced health issues
●︎ 41% of you have accomplished something you never thought you would
●︎ 39% of you have broken up with a toxic friend
And you've made some positive changes.
●︎ 91% of you said that self-care is more important to you today than it was 2 years ago.
●︎ 86% of you said you understand yourself better than you did 2 years ago.
●︎ 74% of you feel less alone in your daily struggles than you did 2 years ago.
Take Pride in Your Vulnerability
Today, take pride in the movement you’ve fueled. Take pride in embracing vulnerability. Take pride in creating a world where we all feel a little less alone.
Here are four things you can do today to honor your work in this movement and keep spreading the power of self-care:
1. Strike Up a Conversation
As Queen Brené Brown says, “In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen—really seen.”
Today, if you feel comfortable, start a conversation around something you’re struggling with. Maybe it’s an issue at work, a financial stressor that has you down, or even a nagging insecurity.
“In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen—really seen.” - Brené Brown
You’ll be surprised how opening up creates space for another person to do the same.
2. Share Your Self-Care Hacks
It takes time to carve out a solid self-care practice. Maybe yours is an eight-step nightly skincare routine, doing a morning meditation before you get out of bed, petting your cats for a few minutes (or, you know, an hour) every night, or even just unfollowing people on Instagram who don’t empower you.
Today, pinpoint one of your tried-and-true methods and share it with someone else.
Shine your self-care hack? Share it with friends
It’s as simple as, “I found that when I’m feeling {insert that mood here}, doing {insert your self-care ritual} really helps.” Offer some self-care wisdom, and get them thinking about what they can do when they need some me-time.
3. Accept Your Feels
Part of self-care is knowing that you’re not going to feel good every single day and embracing that truth. As the saying goes, “Nothing in nature blooms all year round.” Negative emotions are part of the process.
Nothing in nature blooms all year round.
Today, however you’re feeling, send yourself a dose of self-love and self-acceptance. Recognize where you are emotionally (stressed? energetic? mixed emotions?) and reassure yourself that however you feel is OK. Uncomfortable emotions are something we all experience—and, like waves in the sea, they’re never permanent.
4. Own Your Energy
We’re quick to let other things—that co-worker, the weather, a late bus, a toxic friend—steal the energy we need to thrive. Today, if something saps your energy, notice if it’s something in your control or outside of your control.
If it’s something you can change, set the boundaries you need. Tell a friend you need the evening to recharge, or take a midday walk to get some space from the office.
If something out of your control messes with your vibe, get intentional about releasing it. Take a deep breath in, remind yourself it cannot be changed, and try to let go of the stressor on your exhale.
5. Take Pride in How You’ve Grown
Today is uncertain, but what is certain: You’ve made it through all previous days leading up to this one.
According to our Shine survey, in the past two years alone 99 percent of you have experienced highs and lows—you’ve made a new friend, experienced health issues, struggled financially, got a new job, accomplished something you never thought you would, and so much more.
Today is uncertain, but what is certain: You’ve made it through all previous days leading up to this one.
Today, take a moment to be proud of what you’ve gone through and what you’ve grown through. Trust your ability to adapt and your resilience—and know that foundation can see you through whatever the day brings.
You are so capable of this day, and you’re ready to rise up and Shine.
We want to know: How are you celebrating Shine's bday?
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