Monday, November 12, 2012

Sustain



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.

7 comments:

  1. I love how you just said ONLY 8 miles. :)

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    1. That seems amusing to me as well. Last spring, I could barely run 2 miles. It's all about perspective, I suppose. :)

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  2. Ah, the art of self-care. Something I believe wholeheartedly in, yet find so hard to put into daily practice. Thank you for the reminder!

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    1. I usually take care of myself after everything else, and that always seems to be a mistake. I need lots of reminders as well!

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  3. Just 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.

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    1. "I think the more we care for ourselves, the more we can give away."-Exactly!

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Be kind, not judgey