The Journey Inward

I picked up this great little pamphlet the other day at the doctor’s office called “The ABC’s of Self-Care.” It had a cute picture and word for each letter. Some of them really resonated, other’s weren’t for me. I decided to create my own:

Ask for help:  There is a recording in my head that drones on about being independent and pulling myself up by my bootstraps, that asking for help is a sign of weakness.  In those times, I remember to lift the needle off that track and instead, pick up the phone!

Brew some tea:  Not being a bubble bath gal like the pamphlet suggested, I prefer to brew a pot of tea and take warm, soothing sips while I pause and relax.

Connection:  Too fearful that lighting candles (once again, the pamphlet's idea) will lead to torching my house, I chose connection here - with my partner, trusted friends, my family, my community, my colleagues, my Word Press world.

Dance:  To be clear, I don't dance well.  At all.  But I do enjoy it when I can lose myself in music, leaving my head and dropping down into my body to move with spirit.

Exercise:  Running, walking, kayaking, biking, hiking, and lifting all bring me a sense of calmness and clarity and enable me to release trapped energy and repetitive thoughts.

Fun and Play:  As a child, I was creative and curious and could become so absorbed in play that I lost track of time.  As a busy teacher and mom, I didn't always make time for my own fun and play, and it's something that I've enjoyed reclaiming in my 50s!

Go For a Walk:  Similar to E, walking always helps me work through what's troubling me.  My therapist said it's like free EMDR therapy because as your eyes move side to side, you begin to process through your memories and file them differently.

Hammock:  Whether it's here or in a rocking chair or swing, the gentle movement soothes me as I look up at the treetops, clouds and birds and marvel at this beautiful world around me.

Intuition:  Getting to know, honor and rely on my intuition really helps me make decisions that are in my best interest.  A recovering people pleaser, I have to work at honoring this powerful force within me.

Journal:  This practice has made such a difference in my life.  Whether it's prompts or poetry or what's on my mind right now, journaling helps me connect with myself and express my thoughts and feelings.

Kindness:  The act of doing for others, even if it's just a smile or holding a door, brings me such great pleasure and reminds me we are all connected.

Laugh:  I laugh easily and frequently and sometimes get giggling so hard that I either cry or snort or both!!  

Mindfulness:  There's a sticky note on my computer that reminds me that knowing what you're doing while you're doing it is how to stay present.

Nature:  Being outdoors fills me with peace, calm, comfort, gratitude, inspiration, curiosity, wonder, and awe.

Organize:  I love to organize - cabinets, closets, drawers, and this time of year, my classroom.  I get a sense of accomplishment and controlling something I can control, but I also love the simplification that comes with purging what I no longer have use for and only keeping the appreciated essentials.  I find tidy surroundings produce a tidy mind for me. 

Plant:  Whether it's having houseplants or being outside g
digging in the dirt, nurturing a living thing and having green and color in my life spark serenity. 

Quiet:  Quiet time is essential for me so I can regulate and hear myself!  I don't have music or tv going unless that is my focus. 

Read:  I read every day, whether it's a fellow writer, a book, a magazine, the news, or texts from friends. The practice always brings me joy and serves as a window to the world and a mirror into myself, as they say. 

Solitude:  Closely linked to Q, I love to be alone and make time for it daily.  I truly am my own best friend and favorite person!

Trampoline:  Mini trampoline or full size, the act of jumping is both a return to childhood exuberance and a brutal workout!!

Unplug:  Borrowed from the brochure, I couldn't argue with this one!  I keep a special ringtone on my phone for my kids and partner, but otherwise I like to step away from technology for hours at a time.

Vulnerable:  I have learned that there's no better way to be authentic and create deeper bonds than to be vulnerable and share about myself, my feelings, my thoughts and my experiences.  It can be hard to trust others, but I rarely regret opening up.

Write:  I think I'm preaching to the choir here.

Xoxo:  Again taken from the brochure, physical contact and affection are critical to happiness and wellbeing.

Yoga:  I'm trying to make this a practice.  The pamphlet recommends yoga as its Y.  But I do incorporate stretching and meditation into my days in small doses.

Zzzz's:  I’m trying!!!  I can see how much better I feel when I am well rested.  Although I never lack energy, I do feel brain fog, mood changes, hunger, impatience and sudden sleepiness when I've only slept a few measly hours.

Well, this was fun!  I liked inventorying what I do to take care of myself!  Maybe some will resonate with you, and no doubt you have plenty of your own.  I'd love to hear them for any letter!

Photo:  My daughter and I in our side yard hammock under a grove of trees.  Kingwood, NJ.  Summer 2016.  by LA