Solitude & Sereni.tea

I have started gifting myself self-care dates. Once upon a time, called artist dates (if you follow The Artist’s Way program by Julia Cameron), you will know what I am talking about. I have re-named them, because they are supposed to be a block of time, that you devote to yourself. I have made space in my calendar, for a few hours on a Friday afternoon/evening to devote time to my creative self. And yesterday, I gave myself the gift of spending an hour in my local bookstore. Which is something that I love, and wish I could do all the time. But since I have about 100+ unread books in my place currently, and a stack of library books waiting for me to read, I only allow myself a visit every couple of months. But I recently joined a bookclub, and I needed to buy this month’s selection, so that was my excuse for picking that location for my date.

While I was standing in line, waiting to pick up the book I had ordered, a little stuffed toy frog has jumped/leaped off the book it was sitting on, The Little Frog’s Guide to Self-Care, by Maybell Eequay. It did its job, and caught my attention. I was immediately charmed by the accessories this little frog chose to wear – the boots and mushroom cap. Of course, I brought it home with me. I have been slowly making my way through the book- but only turning the page, when I complete the action step.

I am currently in Chapter 1: Self-Care for Hard Times. And these are some of the things I have done today, based on its suggestions:

• Made my bed – this is something I do everyday. I had never thought of it as self-care before. But it does give me a sense of accomplishment, and just a general good feeling, so it fits. I am now claiming this as an act of self-care.
• Break up your house hold chores into small steps if you are feeling overwhelmed. Love this! As someone who gets overwhelmed when my todo list gets too long-breaking things up is a godsend. And by making these steps manageable I can get a lot more done. On a day where I had to work, I had limited cleaning time, and I still managed to sort my recycling, wash dishes, clean my kitchen, cook lunch, sweep the floors, tidy my desk, and water my plants (though I missed one-oops).
• Appreciate someone who had an impact on your life. I wrote a little letter to someone. I wont be sending it, but I will recite it out loud – and I trust that he will be able to feel the love and sentiment behind those words through telepathic connection, as our bond is strong.
• Have a shower. Water is powerful and healing.
• Thank your body. I hugged mine.
• Look in the mirror while you are getting ready for your day, say your affirmations. You are smart. You are kind. You are beautiful. You are strong. And you are going to have an amazing day. You will do your best.

Every page so far has been a real gem. I can’t wait to get further into it.

I love how the universe provides gifts when you need them. I have been needing some help getting back on this self-care journey, as I transition back into a routine, now that I am feeling well. This week especially, I have felt that I had let people down when I had been sick for so long. That I should focus more on work than my own well-being. But this little book has reminded me that I cant give more of myself, if I dont take care of myself. So it’s time to continue on this journey.

Visit your little neighbourhood bookstore to find your copy.

*Today’s choice of tea is Pukka’s Love tea