Do you feel anxious, over-tired or pulled in many directions? That seems to be our new normal. As I write this in the early hours of Sunday morning, I made a deliberate and conscious decision to not go into my home office and sit at my computer. Instead, I am on my back patio listening to the sounds of the early morning, watching my dog frolic and chase lizards. I am so glad I decided to have a cup of tea and enjoy the moment. Now, don’t get me wrong. My mind is still going, creating and discounting thoughts and ideas about what to write about today, what my week looks like and the projects I want to get done. Isn’t that the nature of the mind? That’s alright. I set my pen down, pick up my tea cup and breathe deeply of the morning air, close my eyes and listen to all that’s around me. The low-flying bi-plane overhead, the birds at the bird feeders and our dog chasing squirrels on the back fence. It’s all wonderful.
Aren’t we all so busy getting ready, rushing of out of the house, slowed down by traffic and jumping into our days? Do we remember to appreciate what’s around us – the people in our lives and how much our friends and family mean to us? Do we tell and show them how much we care? Do we even think about taking care of ourselves? Take a moment today to stop, close your eyes, breathe and think about the people in your life who matter the most to you. Sure, they may frustrate you and push your buttons at times, but you love them anyway. So take the time to appreciate that they are in your life. How can you do that? You might write a gratitude list and write how grateful you are they are in your life. Perhaps text a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Better yet, pick up the phone and talk to them. Find out what they are doing and how they are. Maybe meet them for lunch, brunch or dinner. Sometimes we get so busy with the daily hustle that we let those connections slip away – even in this very technologically connected time. Isn’t it those connections that fill our lives with texture, movement, joy and laughter?
It seems I’ve gotten a bit off target. That’s alright too. I think that’s how this early morning is supposed to go, and really, it’s not that far afield from what I decided to write about today. I am feeling very relaxed and happy. For me taking this time to just sit outside surrounded by nature is a kind of self-care, and self-care is so important. How do we expect to take care of everyone else if we do not take make the time to care for ourselves? Isn’t that like driving a car on gasoline fumes and expecting to tour across country?
Let me ask you this. What does self-care look like to you? Is it taking a walk in the middle of the day? Could it be spontaneously deciding to get a manicure or pedicure? Maybe it’s a relaxing massage. This week I received an amazing massage from my friend Barb. Yes, the massage therapist actually got a massage – yay me! It doesn’t happen often enough. That’s for sure because like you, I get caught up in the daily workings of my life. Remembering to take some time – a few minutes, an hour or maybe an entire day for yourself can be beneficial for you and for those around you. So, take a deep slow breath, close your eyes and picture what a little self-care means for you; then do it. Take that walk, get a pedicure or book a massage. Give yourself the love you give others.
Thank you Barbara for a wonderful and relaxing session 😁!