Happy Monday! Isn’t May just flying by? A few weeks ago in my first #selfcare30 post I encouraged you to take time for yourself. To take care of your soul. To start with just 30 minutes a week. Did you take that time? I really hope you were able to do just one small thing to care for you.
Self-care is important but can seem like just another thing to do depending on where you’re starting from. After listening to this podcast with Jess Lively and Jessica Turner I realized that there may be some who haven’t been able to take time for self-care in quite a while. If that’s true for you, that’s so OK. I get it!
As women we are so used to putting ourselves last. We’re so used to taking care of everyone and the house too. We’re so used to pushing aside the feelings, longings, whispers we hear inside ourselves. But you may have heard this before and I really believe its true, “It’s hard to fully care for others, if we’re not caring for ourselves too.”
Balancing self-care with our other responsibilities is just that, a balance, and I’m struggling with that balance right now too. I just started a new birth control (sorry TMI) and am adjusting to that or hoping it will adjust. I’m being mindful of the affects that could be having on my hormones and my emotions and attempting to stay in front of and present with those rolling emotions using mindfulness, self-care, and therapy. Big hugs to you if you’re struggling with that balance right now too.
So recognize where you are and start from there. If it’s been a while and 30 minutes of self-care seems undoable then it doesn’t have to be 30 minutes. Just start from where you are. Many beginning mindfulness meditation programs, like Headspace and Calm, encourage starting with just 10 minutes. I still meditate just 10 minutes a day most days.
I think 10-15 minutes is a perfect amount of time (especially if its all you have) to push pause on your day. To break for just a short time and take the time you need. Close your eyes, take a nap, read, walk, write, scribble, draw, or just sit. Let your brain rest, let your intuition take over, listen to the whispers of your heart.
To re-center myself this week, I’m working on a couple writing assignments but I’m also prioritizing some quiet reading time. I’ll be finishing up How to Talk so Kids Will Listen… and moving on to Wherever You Go There You Are. I’m also hoping to attend a Parenting with Presence workshop at The Center for Mindful Living LA. This week i’ll be claiming those 10 minute pockets of time for myself and I hope you will too.
I’m loving the #selfcare30 posts on Instagram. I love seeing how you’re taking time to care for yourself and your soul. Keep ’em coming!
What are your plans for the week? Where can you fit in some small moments of self-care? I’m here to listen in the comments section.
I’m grateful for your visit. Thank you for spending a moment with me.
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