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I guess the posts here are a reflection of where we’re at, my family and I, and the challenges we’re facing. Therefore today’s post will be a short one as I am feeling a bit stressed out and tired. I did consider not to post at all, but I figured I could at least share this little insight with you: it is important to take the time to nurture yourself!
Go see a movie, go for a walk, take a long hot bath, go out for dinner with your spouse, listen to music, have a nice long talk with a friend, etc. Find something that gives you energy for the days and weeks to come – so that you don’t burn yourself out tending to other people’s needs. As parents, and members of a dynamic family, there is always something going on! There is a never ending queue of chores, schoolwork, someone who needs a hand, etc. It is very easy to neglect your own needs, but I urge you to consider this; how will our children learn to take care of themselves if we, their greatest role models, don’t know how to? |
(BTW a “cold boot” is thorough re-boot of your computer – if I understood my slightly geeky husband correctly.)
My oldest daughter is home from school today because of an assignment and I caught myself lecturing her about making the most out of this opportunity. “Make a list with two columns of the things you need to get done, and the things you want to do as a reward, and start doing them!” I exclaimed. “And a list with fun stuff” she replied flippantly. “Right? There should be some fun stuff there too!” (It never seizes to amaze me what nuggets of wisdom they possess!) I decided to take my own (and her) advice and write a list to make the most of out of my day:
Something that needs to get done (preferably something I’ve been putting off):
1. Write a letter to the insurance company about a three year old case.
2. Clean one room of the house (my home office).
3. Go to the post office with the letter.
Something that I want to do:
1. Take a long hot candlelit soak in the tub.
2. Have a nourishing lunch.
3. Meditate for 20 minutes.
Something fun:
1. Write this post.
2. Write an actual postcard to a friend.
3. Have a photo contest with the offspring.
My daughter, the clever girl, took the fabulous one on the left, making her the obvious winner (she has a good eye, that one!)
I don’t know what your idea of fun is, or what you need and want to do, but I’m sure you do. So if you find yourself with a whole day at your disposal, start by writing down what you need and want to do, add something fun, then do it! I’m off to do the last thing still undone on this list… a long hot bath. See ya!
Oh Nicone, this is JUST what I needed to read right now! I don’t nurture myself. I know I don’t. I blog about it, obsess about it, develop plans and strategies but I still find myself down the bottom of the rabbit hole looking for the blooming torch!
Have just done it again – 10 days non-stop work. Not eating properly, not doing anything for fun – and I know how dangerous this is for me as an addict. My internal alarm system doesn’t work – I just loose all perspective.
So, starting tomorrow I am having a new 3 point to do list – using your headings. let you know how I get on!
smiles and blessings
I spent most of my life in ignorance. I did not know how important nurturing myself was until my health crashed after an accident. Then I began to slowly become aware of who that person was deep withing me and that she needed to be nurtured. Today I do at least one uplifting thing I love to do every day to nurture myself.
I like your idea of the three point to do list very much. I have what I refer to as my long list for taking care of me. On it I have all the things I like to do and after I complete half of the tasks I must do I try to inject one \I like to do\ into my day.
I meet myself every day in my private journal and when I fail to nurture myself that’s where I recommit to becoming a happier me but making the time to do at least one thing I love to do every day. Most days I do succeed when it comes to nurturing me but some days I don’t.
P.S. Kids are so smart!
Wonderful post. We all need some time every now and then to detach and refresh. How else better to do that than doing something fun and beneficial for ourselves! Great Advice!
@Juliana – I’m so happy you stopped by, specially since I could inspire you to take better care of yourself. Do get back to me with how it goes with your list, and best of luck with it!
@Timethief – How great that you’ve found a “system” for taking care of yourself and slipping thing into your life – good for you! When we’re young we tend to take our health for granted, but if we keep on doing that we’ll learn it the hard way… I don’t manage to be systematic about nurturing myself every day, but I get some days when I just have to (like today)!
PS. Yes! My daughter was pretty proud about it too.
@Allen – Yes, that is so true. Nice to see you here!
I’ve intentionally lived my life in a “relax and enjoy” mode. I never believed in working too much or driving myself crazy with ambitions and goals.
Nice post, it is important to keep your own spirits up and your battery charged if you want to be a positive influence on the people you love. Getting burned out and be a grumpy bag of nerves is not good for anyone.
I am a single father of a now nine year old boy, and one of the greatest things I could do for myself was to teach my son to get me a glass of water for me, instead of the other way around.
@nothingprofound – That’s a great approach to life!
@PBScott – Thanks!
Have you heard of the old saying (Chinese, I think): Treat your child as royalty the first six years of his or her life, then as a slave for the next six, and finally as a friend for the rest of your lives. You’ve currently got a slave – I’ve got one princess, two slaves (I wish) and two friends… lol
Hello Nicone! I know so well where you’re coming from. It is important to have some quality “me time” once in a while but sometimes I’m guilty of getting carried away with my work too. I’ve learned to rest when I’m tired and to take a break when life stales. I’ve realised energy isn’t something we have – it’s something we are. To give, give and give without taking in depletes our battery. My problem sometimes is I always think resting is a waste of time but I realised that work that emerges from an energised source are easier, go further and accomplish more. Hope you’re well rested!
Hi Funkkejooce!
“I’ve realised energy isn’t something we have – it’s something we are.”
Nice way of putting it!
I love the feeling of emerging in my work – loosing sight of everything else for a while because I find what I do so interesting. I don’t think getting carried away with work is what actually drains us, but not being able to stop in time.
Very well, thank you!