Course corrected
I talk about self-care all the time. In fact, I wrote about it just a few weeks ago.
And when I did, I honestly believed I was doing a pretty good job with self-care.
I was in a group journaling session on Thursday evening writing about my favorite self-care activities when it hit me:
I haven’t really done them all summer.
I pulled a few weeds here and there in my garden, but otherwise haven’t spent time with my hands in the dirt.
I’ve admired the flowers in my garden, but hadn’t picked a single bouquet to bring inside all summer.
I’ve exercised, but not with the structure and purpose I know feels good to me.
I’ve read some, but not nearly as much as I would have liked.
And journaling - Sure, I journaled every day, but not necessarily with the self-care flavor that I love.
And it showed.
It took purposefully journaling on this to make the connection -
I wasn’t feeling like myself because I wasn’t doing the things that make me feel good!
“When we get busy and life gets crazy, self-care is the first thing to go.”
That’s what one of my group members told me.
And she was right!
It’s easy to let things slide, thinking we can always come around and do them later.
I’m good, I reason. I’ll be okay. I’ll do it tomorrow.
And I might. Until tomorrow’s crisis makes me forget.
So I spent the weekend remedying my situation:
I picked myself a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
I dove deep into my journal, resurrecting a specific reflection practice I let slide for far too long. I revisited my goals and recorded my progress. I did a wellness check in to identify what else I needed.
I spent hours working in my one of my long-neglected garden beds. (Without judging myself because I had let it go for so long!)
I spent the afternoon in my hammock - reading, reflecting, writing, napping.
And I got in a really good heavy lift session in the basement gym.
I’m feeling like myself again.
And I’m determined to stay this way!
So I made myself a self-care menu which now lives on a clipboard above my desk.
(It’s something that has been on my to-do list since I wrote about it in April’s newsletter!)
This is my reminder of what self-care looks like for me,
And my encouragement to make it happen.
On the regular.
No matter what life throws my way.
Because if I’ve learned anything about myself (over and over again),
It’s that I’m my best me when I take care of me.
No matter what else is happening in the world.
I can care for others best if I care for myself first.
And having a plan and reminders can make all the difference.
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!
What is the lesson you keep learning over and over again?
How can you keep that lesson front and center in your mind so that you learn it once and for all?
What helps and reminders can you put in place so you remember it when you need it?
How much like yourself do you feel in this moment?
What can you do to feel more like yourself?
One Journaling Idea I Love:
Build a Ritual
I’ve learned that while routines are good, rituals can be even better.
How can you build a ritual around journaling to make it even more special?
In the winter, my ritual includes turning on these battery powered candles and journaling by candlelight.
In the summer, my ritual includes a gratitude practice as I watch the sun rise.
On Sundays, my ritual includes making a cup of cacao (I’m not a coffee drinker) and savoring it as I journal and plan my week.
What can you do to turn your journaling routine into a journaling ritual?
More Good Stuff
Join me on Tuesday at 8 pm Eastern for another episode of my livestream show, Building Your Journaler’s Toolbox, where we’ll discuss new ways to journal, journaling techniques you need for your toolbox, and so much more! Tune in on LinkedIn, YouTube, or Facebook.
Group journaling is one of my favorite forms of self-care! And you’re invited to join me for my next Journaling Mini-Retreat on Wednesday, August 16 at 7:30 Eastern. Register HERE.
And I’ve got this beautiful new group journaling program: Unveil Your Inner Magic. If you are looking for some structure to your journaling, some guidance and support to aid you in self-discovery; If you are wanting a different flavor to your journaling, to try something new, Unveil Your Inner Magic could be exactly it for you. It's designed to lead you on a path of reflection and introspection, to help you peel back the layers to find and remember who you truly are and who you were meant to be. This will help you journal in a way you haven't before. I’m here when you’re ready.
Happy Journaling!