This post was inspired by a recent one from Modern Mrs. Darcy.
I feel like I could sum up this summer in one word: introspection. I’ve been in my head a lot, turning things over and over, trying to learn more about myself and how I work. My “one little word” for 2015 is thrive and it’s been a difficult one for me. In previous years, with words like intention and brave, I was able to baby-step into that realm with relative success. But thrive? Most days, I feel like it’s a standard that’s impossible to achieve. Does it have to be, though? I’m not sure.
Like everything, it’s a process. And step one was the realization that I need to take better care of myself…my whole self. I need to see what helps and what hinders me in my best efforts to be a wife, mother, teacher, and business owner. I know I won’t be thriving at much of anything without this necessary step. So here is what self care looks like for me right now:
Self care looks like planning my day the night before. I bring my planner with me to bed and jot down the items that are rattling around in my head: vacuum the stairs, send that e-mail, bake something with those peaches before they go bad, etc. My sleep has greatly improved and I wake feeling less frazzled. I’m ready to face the day with a plan of attack.
Self care looks like making the effort to add more prayer to my day. For whatever reason, with the general chaos of my days, praying seems like the first thing to go and I’d like that to change. Instead of frantic pleas for help (which still happen often!), I’d like to have more mindful prayers too. Starting small with the morning offering first thing when I wake up.
Self care looks like daily quiet time in the afternoons: I send the kids down to play in the basement or everyone finds a comfy place to read or draw. Some days, I’ll even put on a long movie! Regardless of what they do, I need and appreciate the 15-30 minutes I get all to myself.
Self care looks like fitting in time everyday for something that fills me up: exercise, cross-stitch, reading a good book. The choice and duration are less important than the act itself.
Self care looks like watching what I eat, but not stressing over every calorie and carb. It’s so hard, but I’m giving myself the grace to enjoy every sip of that special Chick-Fil-A milkshake without worrying about how long it will take to burn it off. Also hard, but I’m trying not to stress about how much pregnancy weight I’d still like to lose and just appreciate myself right here today.
Self care looks like wearing my Fitbit again, but challenging myself to add more movement to my day with the kids. We play Follow the Leader (walk like a mummy…act like a ninja…hop like a bunny) around the house and it feels good to get us all moving and our hearts pumping…and it’s fun!
Self care looks like learning more about myself and how I am wired. I have been made this way for a reason. I thrive on structure, to-do lists and finishing everything from big projects to the last piece of bread in the bag. I am most inspired in the morning, prefer to window shop and love simplicity. I used to feel the need to adapt “to be like everybody else”…now as I grow older, I’m trying to be content with who God created me to be.
Self care looks like allowing myself the ability to dream about Big White Farmhouse and where I’d like to take it down the road. Dreams will continue to be dreams without action, so I’m following up with as many itty bitty baby steps as I can. At this time in my life, I am unable to devote full-time hours, but every little bit helps.
Self care looks like practicing active gratitude: including thanks in my prayers, writing them down, and recalling that everything is a gift. I’m also “looking out” and thanking those around me for their influence and support in my life.
Self care looks like watching the birds outside in complete childlike awe and delight. Despite so much ugliness in the world, beauty still remains if we take the time to search for it.
Other great posts about Self Care:
5 Self Care Tips for Moms
Self Care for Highly Sensitive Moms
5 Reasons Mamas Don’t Take Care of Themselves
5 Ways to Make your Mornings Meaningful
What does self care look like for you right now?
