“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few mintues, including you.”
Anne Lamott
Thanks, Spidey. I think we all need that timely reminder. I’m sure we have used this quote before, but it is such a good one!
There have been days, recently, when I have felt as if I am scraping the barrel to get the enthusiasm and energy required for daily life with a bunch of 4-5-year-olds, and then to deal with home life too. Oh, and as Perimenopause to the mix, along with not being able to get my HRT!
It’s not been easy, I have to say. Without going into details I have to say that sometimes, it feels like going in to work has been the calmest place, and if you have ever worked in the Early Years, you’ll realise the enormity of that confession.
Still, here I am. I’m still functioning. Still doing what I need to do.
I get asked by those of my friends and family who know the ins and outs, how I am coping.
It’s simple. To me, anyway.
There are times when I have to put myself first.
Not selfishly.
But I need to make decisions that will help me get through.
The first is to lessen the unnecessary pressures I put on myself.
I want to write. Sure I do. But with my brain not having the bandwidth to create, right now, I don’t force myself.
If I haven’t cleaned the house from top to bottom, I don’t beat myself up.
If I have had to order a takeaway or stick a ready meal in the oven, so be it.
And the second is to make time, even if it is only a short while, to do the things I love.
So I’ll read (lots, as you know). It may only be for a few minutes a night in the week since I am physically and mentally exhausted from work, but I’ll make up for it on the weekend.
I’m exercising, for me.
I have my weekly soak in the bathtub.
I try to meet with friends, away from the family, once in a while.
I’ll spoil myself with a little gift.
Because I need to feel that I am worth it, too. Only then can I get through everything else.
So, Peeps, what is your favourite form of Self Care?
But I Smile Anyway... 