Self-care means different things to different people. Soaking in a bubble bath with candles all around the tub, while classical music plays softly in the background used to come to mind when I heard self-care. That thought used to make me cringe. Now I see the term as a catch-all for activities that I choose, which give me joy and relief from anything bothering me. How … [Read more...] about My Self-Care Helps Me and May Encourage Others
Self-care
Depression Was Happy That I Was Neglecting Self-Care
I just thought I was overly busy. But then, I noticed that each day was clipping along, and I was becoming a spectator. No longer was I seizing the moment, setting aside time for me, or even thinking about tomorrow. Events were driving me. Then I spoke with my therapist. “If you don’t put your own oxygen mask on first, how can you help others?” Once again, he saw that … [Read more...] about Depression Was Happy That I Was Neglecting Self-Care
Why Am I Exceeding the Speed Limit?
Over the past few weeks, I have not been able to slow down. As the days get shorter, I am almost frantic to get things accomplished. And the thought of self-care, of "me" time, makes me cringe. There is no way I can be available for me, there is too much to do. So now I am recognizing this as a clear sign I need to slow down. But knowing is different from doing. In … [Read more...] about Why Am I Exceeding the Speed Limit?
My Self-Care is Really a To-Do List, Is That OK?
Like many who are employed by corporations, my day job includes working five days a week. This leaves two days for bigger, at-home, time-consuming projects. I spent last week's days off power washing the deck. Now this week, I spent my first day off staining parts of that same deck. The lower area is 16' X 32”’. And the upper is 8’ X 32’. And there are stairs from the upper … [Read more...] about My Self-Care is Really a To-Do List, Is That OK?
Unhelpful Thinking Says There’s No Time, Not Even For Self-care
The recycling must be taken for pick up tomorrow and the trash must go to the landfill. There is no publicly funded trash or recycling pick-up in the rural community we live in. If you want trash pickup at your home, you must pay a company to come and get it. Cardboard and aluminum cans can still be recycled at the landfill. Plastics, glass, and everything else is no longer … [Read more...] about Unhelpful Thinking Says There’s No Time, Not Even For Self-care