Thoughts on Self Care
Maybe it’s a massage, facial and a mani/pedi combo that sets the theme of self care in your mind. Perhaps you are creative, but find your life routine won’t afford you the opportunity to really create, much less be inspired. Many of us have hobbies or talents that unfortunately get shelved as we get older, raising our families, running our businesses, volunteering, advocating for the rights of others….whatever the case. In addition to a regular routine of exercise, visiting your favorite massage therapist and hair stylist, I want to offer that self care also take on the form of something for which you have a passion and should strive to nurture just as routinely, even if you aren’t planning to go public with your goods.
Try to find small outlets to keep the flow going even at a trickle, even if it means creating things that fail. For instance, I like to bake. Most of my treats come out tasting pretty yummy, BUT…I need so much more practice to make everything look as good as it tastes! I apply the same concept to my attempts to make music, even if it means sitting down for only 10 minutes each day. Sometimes I have to make do singing in the car or shower just to keep what I consider a vital essence within me flowing. Anytime I garden I feel more nurtured. Anyone that knows me well, knows that I have varying successes at that venture. Sometimes, I just wander my yard or another garden finding subjects to photograph. Whatever the medium, it sparks my vitality to embark in the creative.
I would also recommend regular check ins with those you value. I made the fortunate decision to reach out and video chat with a favorite uncle just weeks before his sudden passing last month. Noting that I would have preferred to visit him outright…it’s still Covid, y’all. I do feel a great fortune that I had a ‘last chance’ to talk before losing him. Still, connection matters, and now more than ever we need to maintain a regular routine of checking in with one another. Feel free to reach out to me if you need a laser treatment or even just a catch up conversation. I am a good listener and have some empirical knowledge on actual physical self care.
