Are you taking care of YOU?

 Self Care

(I recently found an app called the Gratitude App.  It’s a little journaling app that has challenges for writing about different things you’re grateful for.  I felt promoted to share my entry for today.)

It’s funny that this is today’s topic of gratitude because I was just sitting here thinking how if I could share one piece of advice with everyone who is struggling, especially all the mamas, it would be to MAKE time for yourself. I know it’s not easy. I remember those crazy days of no sleep and chasing littles all day. I know the long nights of worry over your teenagers. I even understand the navigating of relationships with your grownup children and trying to figure out when to step in and help, when to let them struggle and grow from the experience, when to speak up and when to keep your mouth shut. It’s all so beautiful, but in order to be able to GIVE so much to all those you love, you have to give to YOU first. It’s not selfish. It’s essential!

So, I’ve carved out this sacred time for myself in the mornings. Now, I work from home teaching English online to children in China. I’m up stuuuuupid early!  I’d love to take my ME time before my day starts, but I just can’t make myself get up any earlier than I already do. So, I wake up, put on the required blue shirt, spritz water on my crazy hair, throw on a bit of foundation, mascara (hello, invisible eye lashes!) and lip stick because the camera filter can only do so much. I run through my mini morning routine if I have time (make a warm drink, unload the dishwasher, fill the essential oil diffuser, and start a load of laundry). Then make my way to my work room, which I have renamed the Shanti room because shanti means PEACE. 

After a couple of hours of teaching, my time is mine. 

I make a cup of herbal teal or (my current favorite) Mudwtr (Mud Water, made with cacao, mushrooms and chai), spend some time in prayer and open my Bible.  Then I spend some time meditating.  Next is my routine on the Daily Shifts app, and the Gratitude app. After all the sitting, my body needs MOVEMENT!  So, depending on the day I either practice yoga alone, with a video (like Simply Sadie Jane), or I go to the studio to either practice or teach. 

I love to have some soothing or inspiring music playing while all of this is happening too. Today was the Piano Guy’s new album.  ❤️

If I’m home, I then spend some time learning to play the harmonium. 

All of this can take a few minutes or a couple of hours, depending on how I’m feeling and what I need that day. But, the point is, it FEEDS me. So, then I have something to offer the people I love. 

I’m very grateful to be at a point in my life where I understand that my needs are important, that I don’t come last. It’s taken a long time to love myself and treat myself well. 

I’m grateful to have a beautiful space where I can learn, teach and create. A place where my heart heals and my spirit is fed. 

So, please, know that you are important. You deserve some time to care for yourself. Find a few minutes and COMMIT that time to yourself. Get help. Find a quiet place and make it your own!  It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, my space used to be a corner in my closet!

And most of all, find something to be grateful for everyday!