If you would have asked me Saturday morning how I felt about the coming week, I probably would have burst into tears of frustration. I was exhausted. Physically, emotionally and mentally.
On one hand I was feeling fulfilled and satisfied at what I had accomplished over the past week. Coaching 7 clients and facilitating 2 days of leadership workshops was work that I loved and wanted to do. I knew I had given my all.
And, I was weary. I knew I needed rest and rejuvenation. What happened next?
I chose to pay attention to my body and my intuition. I became aware of my energy and asked myself: ‘What do you feel right now? What do you want to do?’
This is a new way of being for me. Especially on a Saturday morning when I have a ‘to-do’ list longer than my 9 year old grandson’s letter to Santa. I wondered…..would this approach jeopardize my weekend? Would things be left undone? Would our household fall apart? Was I lazy and selfish?
In spite of my fears, I followed my pleasure. First thing in the morning, I took a walk in the woods. I wanted to be in nature and I felt happy as I breathed in the early morning air, listened to the birds and appreciated my strong body. I took the time to eat well, instead of ‘eating on the run’ between chores which was my usual routine. I felt satisfied and content in my body.
I invited my husband to meet me for a coffee date. We sat outside in the warmth of a sunny morning and connected with each other. Gardening came next. My 5 year old grandson digging in the dirt beside me encouraged me to stop and admire the worms and spiders he discovered. This kept me in the moment and the task was transformed to play time!
I watched a romantic comedy and laughed out loud as I felt my body open up and relax. Popcorn added a sense of fun. This was followed by a long nap. No setting my alarm so I could ‘get stuff done’. I gave myself the gift of sleep and rest with no interruption. Then I took myself shopping, and chose to give myself the gift of time with no rushing, no pressure to get it done quickly. I chose to love my body just as it is and trusted my intuition as I chose some fun, new summer clothes. I focused on what outfits helped me feel sexy and happy, rather than worrying about cost or asking, ‘Am I too old to wear that?’
Dinner was a big pot of vegetable soup. I enjoyed the meditative experience of chopping vegetables and inhaling the scent of sauteed onions and garlic. I moved slowly and consciously, and was ‘in the moment’ enjoying the process, rather than focusing on getting it done as quickly as possible.
My day ended with a bubble bath. The ambience was calm and sensual as I enjoyed the candles and a glass of wine. I lay back and smiled as I reflected on my day. I felt spacious, open-hearted and energized. I realized that my choices created a loving energy in me and that by practicing self-care I was honouring myself.
And, now it is Monday morning and I feel rested and open to possibility. What a gift I gave myself!
How do you care for yourself? Tell me one thing that you do for yourself in the comments below.
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