One question we seem to ask to clients a lot at work is, “How
are you taking care of yourself?” The
answer is usually, “I’m not,” which is then a great conversation starter for how
to take care of yourself. We often use
that question with each other, as well.
For example, when I saw a colleague this weekend who was talking about
hearing painful stories in counseling sessions, my question was then, “How are
you taking care of yourself?”
This question, “How are you taking care of yourself?” is an
important one. And it doesn’t just apply
to people at the receiving end of some type of service.
It applies to all of us.
We all need to find those things that nourish and sustain us.
In my last post, I mentioned that I was feeling worn
thin. This weekend, I tried to be as
unscheduled as possible. Sure, I still
had my to-dos. But one of my “must-dos”
was take care of myself. So how did I
take care of myself this weekend?
·
I made a sweet potato pie. It was amazing. I cooked and baked other goods as well.
·
I snuggled with my ladies and watched movies,
one of those was my all-time favorite, “Rear Window.”
·
I started watching “Elementary” on the
recommendation of a few folks. I love
Sherlock Holmes so I thought I would give it a whirl. Why didn’t anyone tell me Aidan Quinn was in
that?! I would have watched it from the
beginning.
·
I drank lots of hot tea and hot chocolate.
·
I went running and tried to let the drumming
into my heart. I even went running with
Billy today, a running date, of sorts.
Just 8 miles. My ankle started to
really bug me from my trail run a few days prior.
·
I let myself stare blankly at the warm fire in
the fireplace and let my mind drift. I
let my heart feel the undercurrent of joy.
Did any of these things take away the pain of the world that
I have been carrying on my shoulders lately?
Of course not. Did any of these
things help me sleep through the night?
No. Did my lounging bring about
clarity of mind? I wish.
But they will sustain me for now.
I love how you just said ONLY 8 miles. :)
ReplyDeleteThat seems amusing to me as well. Last spring, I could barely run 2 miles. It's all about perspective, I suppose. :)
DeleteI mean JUST
ReplyDeleteAh, the art of self-care. Something I believe wholeheartedly in, yet find so hard to put into daily practice. Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteI usually take care of myself after everything else, and that always seems to be a mistake. I need lots of reminders as well!
DeleteJust 8 miles! It is so refreshing to read about self care in this way. As necessary, not something to harbor secret guilt about. I think the more we care for ourselves, the more we can give away.
ReplyDelete"I think the more we care for ourselves, the more we can give away."-Exactly!
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