6.14.2018

Self Care For Dummies

That's how I feel about it.
I think because it's always been very hard for me.  Self care, that is.  Before I met my husband, I was eating probably once a day.  With extra storage in the oven for my shoes and nothing but takeout in the fridge.  Eating was a distraction from my work and something I used to forget to do.
I also rarely took downtime.  Or vacations.  I was extremely strict with myself in establishing a career and believed the longer I worked in a day, the further I'd get.  I spent lavishly at bars and restaurants, worked tirelessly on my hair and makeup but those things certainly weren't self care.
 Now, nearly 10 years later, I just recently figured out the depths of caring for myself.

And almost none of it you have to buy.  But of course that's the first thing I wanted to do!  When you buy a yoga membership or an expensive face mask or a trip to a tropical resort, you feel like 

"there, I did something!  It's right there and proof that I am now taking control of my self care!"

But... if you're still eyeing your disappointment-of-a-waistline in the mirror during mountain pose, or cramming that $200 revitalizing mask in the back of your cabinet after one use, or drafting a work email in your head while laying out under palm trees then...
...that's not caring for yourself.
 I'm sure we've all done something like this before.  I mean I did all the above.  But the stuff that really makes a difference (and part of the reason I suppose I can call myself a minimalist) is the real self care.  The hard stuff. 

Congratulating, forgiving, listening, letting go, feeling - that's the real stuff.  They're not events or things to own.  They're everyday life-changers.  I mean a face mask and a trip to a day spa can only take you so far.  

As a student of self love/care, I only now realize it's the meat-and-potatos of life!  You're feeding yourself and it miraculously makes you full.  I think because it attracts other wonderful gifts, like self awareness and self possession.  And because it's so filling, I find I have very little room for other "stuff" actually.  Even though I have a looooong way to go, after much practice, I enjoy that it has an awesome side effect of streamlining ones life, yielding only what serves and blocking out the mess.

I chose these photos for this particular post because mornings are when I feel most open to self care.  It is a time when I feel the softest and yet the most determined to kick butt.  Mornings are nature's makeover!

What's your favorite time of day?

14 comments:

  1. On the weekends ... mornings are my favorite. During the work week, I love the evenings as it is the time for me to wind down after a long day.

    Loved this post.

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  2. Needed this today. Nice to see you're doing better and keeping centered.

    My favorite time of the day is early morning before my family wakes up and I have peace and quiet to enjoy some tea.

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  3. Much needed reminders. Thank you

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  4. Very, VERY thought provoking! Wow, you are so right! I am going to dive into this deeper. And ... mornings for sure, before anyone else is awake. :) I really am missing your posts :(

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  5. I always come back.. dont stop blogging mmkay? <3 cheers

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  6. Hey, I really love this post. I first came across it a few months ago and it inspired to start a self care blog because I realised that a lot of use tend to forget this practice so thank you.

    Helen,
    xxx gnc 50 off xxx

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  7. I love the mornings on the patio In the fall with a hot cup of lemon water. The early morning dew and looking at the beauty God created.

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  13. Mornings are also my favorite times for the same reason. It's easier to practice self care. For me that is no tv, no talking, no sound other than the clock ticking (and my noisy fridge). I meditate. Read. And worship coffee. As for your point on spending, I have been running an experiment for the past year...how many activities can I enjoy that don't require me to buy something? I have discovered countless secret books in parks. Picnics, campfires. Hikes. Free outdoor concerts, art festivals...it's been so amazing!

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