So sorry that I have disappeared. Still working on getting into the habits and balancing things. Also just experienced a bad case of writer’s block. I had the topic of Self Love in mind because it is something that Ive been personally working on. I had typed up the whole long story of how I got to a low point and how I am working my way back with a therapist but I scratched it. I don’t need to give you the in depth drama of the last couple of months to share with you my thoughts and actions for loving yourself.
If you are like me you have probably not thought about what it means to love yourself. I go thru my days thinking about what I need to do, what I need to cook, who I need to call. It’s a constant barrage of lists and moving from place to place. Working a job for money to survive is absolutely necessary but taking care of my mental and physical health is what keeps that step going. If you aren’t at your peak level, how can you bring you’re a-game so to speak?
My therapist told me that I need to find a time that is just for me in my busy day/ busy week. I fought back almost immediately asking what do I cut out, how do I add things in? Scheduling is the only way to get things done because going in with expectations helps reduce the stress of if and when. I have created windows each day that I can take a breathe and do something just for me.
I have mentioned before that I am a reader, mostly self help but the occasional romance. Its something I really enjoy but I have had trouble with adding it into my days. Now there are two times a day that I read for fifteen minutes to give my mind a break or a reset, and that is lunch and right before bed. At lunch I read a book on mindset or positive thinking. Helps me out if the day has been crazy busy or stressful. At night always a romance or adventure book. Why not go to bed dreaming of good fun things?
For most of my day I am standing as I create the paint swatches. Most days my feet hurt and my back aches. I have now added in a massage every two weeks. For one hour, I get to relax as someone works my over tense muscles. Massage isn’t for everyone, some people feel awkward letting someone rub them down. But remember these are trained professionals that know exactly what your body needs to reset.
I don’t do too many things to treat myself. Sometimes because I have financial goals I am trying to hit. Part of my busy. But sometimes spending a bit here or there is worth the feeling it gives. For me, I love getting a pedicure and having my nails done. I feel more professional with pretty hands. And who doesn’t feel relaxed and fun with fresh hot pink on their toes?
Its also super important to be your version of healthy. That isn’t going to be ripped muscled and strict diets for everyone. It doesn’t mean just drinking water either. I have made little changes to my diet that have me feeling better just after a few consistent weeks. I decided to add a fruit and veggie to every main meal. And what I’ve noticed is that with the good I have less craving for the sugary stuff or snacks. I am adding in good habits that will replace bad ones. For me, it is too hard to quit cold turkey and cut out every bad or sugary thing. But balance can be achieved.
Self love means putting time into the things that make you happy. I have been so busy that I haven’t gone on a hike in years. Its something I love, love to be outside, love to see waterfalls, rock formations, sunsets. My 35th birthday is tomorrow and I have left town to go for one. It’s a guided hike, near Lake Havasu AZ. It will be in the 60’s, sunny and out in the desert. I am really looking forward to it. I will ba able to spend part of the morning reflecting on my years so far and what I want out of the year to come. Being in nature is good for the soul, helps you focus while you enjoy the beauty this world offers. I will tell you all about it.
But I challenge you to go out and find your self love. Love to cook for friends? Plan that party. Want to go out fishing? Grab that reel. Feeling inspired? Grab your pen, paintbrush, needle and thread. Been wanting to try that new restaurant? Get out there and take yourself for a date. Take the hour or the day to spend time with you. Take a breathe, do some yoga, do some journaling. We each have our own thing that brings us peace. Find or remember yours and add that back into your daily routine. Lets find that best self again!
The Distracted Damsel 