Soul-Care

I’m been thinking about how we call it self-care when we spend time taking care of ourselves with journaling, bubble baths, and walks on the beach, but what it really should be called is soul-care. Essentially, that’s what we’re doing, soothing and pampering our soul – our spirit, essence, heart, core, center, foundation. Isn’t that where the real work should take place?

I declared this as my year of self-care. I’ve been back on track with my eating (thanks to Jenny Craig) for two weeks now. I gave up my love/addition to Coke (soda) almost two weeks ago in which the first few days were ugly, to say the least. I severed the ties to my reliance on fast food of at least fifty percent of my weekly meal source, now to zero percent. I’m getting a little more energy to start adding movement into my daily life. I’m learning how to hoola hoop and for this uncoordinated animal it is quite the challenge! Water consumption is high on my priority list. I’m finding that the more I drink the more I crave.

I’m turning to self-care methods, for a change, instead of food to comfort me. I’ve taken more baths lately than I have in a long time. My favorite is the addition of EO Nighty Nite bath salts to my bath water. I add “make art” to my schedule because I know that I need it now more than ever.

I’m ecstatic about the changes I’ve begun to make but what I’ve really noticed is that while I’m taking care of me it’s my soul that reaping the biggest rewards. I feel more whole and complete, more like me. The innermost core of my being is relishing in the much needed care I’m receiving. This is what it feels like for my heart to sing. This is what it means to love yourself. This is how you make you the number one priority in your life. Why has it taken me so long to get this?  

I know I have a tough road ahead of me. There will be times that I will struggle and times I will fall but I’m committed to getting back up each time and continuing this path. xoxo

Hugs,

2013 Word-of-the-Year

Each year I pick a word to set as my intention for the year. A word that will support me in living out my dreams and to guide me as I make my way through uncharted waters. Honestly, it's not me who picks the word but the other way around.

For 2012, my word was seek and at first it seemed that this word really didn't fit my year. After further reflection and heaps of journaling it seems that seek was right on the money. In the past year I have explored new interests not just in artistic endeavors but also in deepening my spirituality, trying new activities, joining new groups locally and online, trying new classes, and researching and reading in subjects that interest me. I got involved, put myself out there, and got out of the house more. I let go of a great deal of my need for perfection and in turn discovered that I've been missing out on the process in pursuit of the end product. The process really is where it's all at! 

In 2012, I sought tranquility in my home through organization, releasing the clutter, using safer cleaning products, and embracing simplicity. I sought peace within my heart by telling my story, what hurts the most, and speaking my truth. I set myself free by chucking the sensitive label out the door and embracing the gift of my sensitivity, label free. Seek.

My word for the coming year is full of so much possibility packed in two little words. For 2013, I wish to delve into self-care. 

While I packed my schedule with tons of art and activities in 2012 I noticed that I allowed very little time for self-care. I spend way too much time last year sick or recovering from one problem after another. In fact, while I type this I'm recovering from a yucky cold. I've had colds, respiratory infections, sinus issues (that let to a surgery), a routine endoscopy and colonoscopy (that turned into anything but routine), and then add insult to injury I had a piece of bone that had to be surgically removed from my mouth (leftover bone from wisdom teeth removed a good 15 years ago). I'm laughing not complaining because these were inconvenient (and some painful) but none were life-threatening. It is what it is. 

I digress... I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired! I want my good health back and I want my waistline back! I want energy and I want to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without (sounding like) I need a respirator! I want to wake up feeling well rested and I want the strength to open a jar of pickles! Why are you laughing? I seriously can't open a jar to save my life! LOL. Ok, maybe to save my life but not before then. :-D

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah.

This is the year I take care of myself mind, body, and spirit. 

Self-Care.

Hugs,

P.S.

Have you picked your 2013 word yet? Here are a few helpful resources to hone in on your word:

- Unravelling the Year Ahead

- The Authentic Dreaming Worksheet

- The Inquiring Heart : Questions to Inspire Deeper Experience

- The Complete Your Year Worksheet

For Your Own Wellbeing: Essential Self-care

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To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.  ~Buddha

I’ve shared several times how crucial a day of self-care is to your overall health. Whether it’s a few hours, a day, weekend, or even a whole week (for a few lucky ducks!); self-care should be a basic part of your regimen. It’s essential to your mental, physical, and creative health and offers a restorative balance to your life.

I’ve shared a few posts on simple ways to include self-care in 7 Ways to Relax and 15 Mood Boosters. Today I want to share a few resources that may spark the addition of a few “me moments” in your schedule.

+ The Receiving Project shares 56 Acts of Self-Care
+ Blessing Manifesting shares A Moment Just for You
+ Metta Drum shares 9 Ways to Be Gentle with Yourself
+ Marc and Angel Hack Life shares 30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself
+ The Woman's Field Guide shares 50 to Practice Great Self-Care Without Spending a Dime

Check out these resources and take a few minutes to look at how you spend your time. Is there an extra hour that you can spend on you? What are some ways you can take time for yourself?

You deserve it!

7 Ways to Relax

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We all know self-care is necessary for a healthy, productive life but how many of us really practice it daily? In our stress-filled lives, a little self-care can go a long way. Here are a few ways to sneak some in:

1. Reconnect with nature. Take a 20-30 minute walk around your neighborhood or a local park. Take in the sounds and smells. Listen for the rustling of leaves as the wind gently sways the oak trees. Enjoy the melody that the joyous birds sing. Appreciate the aroma of the freshly cut grass. Notice the rise and fall of voices from the blissful children playing nearby. Allow your senses to take over as your explore your surroundings.

2. Wash the stress away. Delight in a long soak in the tub. Your muscles will begin to loosen and relax as your worries dissolve. Add a few drops of your favorite aromatherapy to deepen the experience.

3. Inhale relaxation, exhale tension. Spend 10-15 minutes (more if time allows!) reconnecting with your breathe. Meditation is a wonderful way to take a few moments of solo time to center yourself and let go of the day’s stress. Remember to be gentle with yourself if thoughts and to-do lists begin to creep into your mind.

4. Nourish your body. What you put into your body you will also receive. Trash In = Trash Out. Cultivate a healthier life by adding more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Don’t forget to hydrate!

5. Make routine tasks enjoyable. Chopping veggies for dinner can be meditative when done with a willing mind. Cleaning tasks can become a dance competition. Washing dishes can become a tryout for American Idol. It’s all about how you approach everyday duties.

6. Savor solo time. Go on an artist’s date. Browse your local bookstore. Spend time writing that novel. Paint your emotions. Spend a little unaccompanied time enjoying your favorite activity.

7. Relish family time. Alone time is so vital to sanity but the same goes for spending time with those you love. Get the kids involved in making dinner together, have a family movie night, enjoy a girl’s night with your besties, or schedule a couple’s night with your honey. Love and laughter is the best medicine.

I hope you make the time for yourself, solo and with company, to dissolve the stress and add a little relaxation in your life.