For my wellness class, we had to establish a clear goal based on our "lifestyle wheel," I found that I lacked in family, spiritual, and emotional areas, but I severely lacked in my "self-care" area. Ironic, as my entire life is based on providing this essential to others.
I thought that if I focused on this area the other areas of my life would grow as well.
My 21 day goal was to take part in an hour of self-care ritual each day. Not only has this goal been great at enhancing my journey, but it has also been good at making me realize the little self-care rituals I participate in, making me more aware of the gifts I receive each day.
Day 1- I received a 90 minute lymph drainage session, much needed and cleared the clog on my head that has been causing ice-pick headaches.
Day 2- I floundered at this a bit, I was tired, so my self-care activity revolved around lounging with my family and enjoying a movie night and take-out, though I'm a proponent for organic nourishing foods, we all need to indulge our taste buds once and awhile.
Day 3- I got to stimulate my creative juices and assembled salt scrubs (30), bath bombs (80), and gift baskets for my friends bridal shower. Many may think this is work, but the husband entertained our son so I got uninterrupted time to be creative. Something I don't get much of.
Day 4- I went to my support group for people who have family members suffering from addiction. This group has been instrumental in delving deep into my root problems that contribute to disruption of my peace of mind. What made it all the more enjoyable was my husband taking our son, I don't get to enjoy the group without him running around and causing disruption so it was nice! I also deleted all the games off my phone, I realized I spend a lot of time playing games when I could be nourishing myself and doing things that require my attention. My goal is to replace these short bursts with solid self-care time.
Day 5- I spent cuddle time with my son in the morning, we giggled and tickled and enjoyed the wee pre sun rise activities of mom and son bonding. I don't get much time with just him and I without stress of the "to-do" list looming. I just got to enjoy us.
Day 6- I was able to do an hour of yoga, I had a toddler climbing all over me, but me-time is me-time regardless of who interferes.
Day 7- I tried desperately to take a nap before my swing shift, but didn't get to, my mind was racing with my to-do list and feeling guilty about it all. When I got to work I was able to move my last client of the day up two hours and leave an hour earlier than anticipated. This extra hour was an extra hour of seeing my son before he went to bed, which nourishes me.
Day 8- An hour massage, woohoo! I love my massages and since it's my birthday month I am getting one a week (and a two hour the day before my birthday).
Day 7- I tried desperately to take a nap before my swing shift, but didn't get to, my mind was racing with my to-do list and feeling guilty about it all. When I got to work I was able to move my last client of the day up two hours and leave an hour earlier than anticipated. This extra hour was an extra hour of seeing my son before he went to bed, which nourishes me.
Day 8- An hour massage, woohoo! I love my massages and since it's my birthday month I am getting one a week (and a two hour the day before my birthday).
Day 9- I'm slacking, but managed to get about 45 min of yoga in today, me is not the priorit today.
Day 10-everything I did today revolved around service to others, I tried but couldn't get more than 10 minutes of meditation in.
Day 11- Made it to my support group and went out to eat with my son, much needed soul nourishing
Day 12- Went to counseling, focused on fears and dreams for the upcoming future, was a good session!
Day 13- Took a 90 minute nap with my son, live Cuddling the lil bear!
Day 14- low clients today so got out 4 hours earlier than expected, spent the time cleaning, which puts my mind at ease, self care is a good environment!
Day 15- got to hang out with the family for a few hours enjoying food and outdoor time
Day 16- 2 Hour Massage and game night with my friends, much needed!!
Day 17- Trip to blackhawk for my birthday with my husband.
Day 18- Trip to blackhawk then a lazy recoup day...lots of sleeping!
Day 19- Went to lunch with my son
Day 20- 5 minutes of zen for me, not much time to do anything else
Day 21- Grandma took me out for my birthday breakfast, plus 30 min yoga in between clients!
What I noticed on this journey....
Overall, my mood improved, I became generally happier and kinder to people I interacted with. I deleted games on the phone and swapped it for time cherishing me. My body feels happier than it has in a long time and I notice a beat on my step. I feel more grateful for everything I have and have taken note of the small activities that I can call self-cate because they nourish my soul. I think I have grown closer to my son and husband and I have enjoyed going to work more. I got sick on day 17, and I'm thinking this is a sign that my body has been overworked and overstressed. I feel happy about maintaining this relationship with myself and making me time more of a priority!
