April14
In my last podcast, Golda and I chatted quite a bit about self-care and how important it is. We also discussed the struggles we have in keeping with it. It will be the first thing you toss out the window/give up because it affects no one but you and no one will remind you to do it. Don’t I know it?! Whew! It is something I often preach about (I dislike the word preach, but at this point I think it’s apt), yet even I have a difficult time sticking to it! It’s sad, but very true. Especially when we are stressed, busy, in crisis mode, etc…we drop the one thing that, often, keeps us going. That funk ‘o mine? Probably due to a complete and utter lack of self-care, y’all! No doubt! (With a healthy side of depression for good luck!)
Sometimes it really is the little things that matter. I realized this on Sunday, while getting all dolled up for the fatshion swap. I remembered how I used to put on make up every day before (or even at) work. How I always felt like I didn’t know what the hell I was doing yet somehow found it almost fun. And the feedback I got (and am still getting) floored me! I am most comfortable without make up and hairspray and pearls, but I like those things, too. I am more than a one dimensional gal, what can I say?
Yesterday I finally got down to brass tacks as they say and did some much needed and long overdue self-care! It is still a bit humbling to speak of my financial status, but I’m owning it anyway. I used to get monthly pedicures and thought nothing of it. Now? *sigh* Now I must DIY anything I can’t buy for less than five bucks. For realz. It just is. So I gave myself a pedicure last night (husband went fishing, no bites sadly). My toe nails were painted and pedicured…TWO months ago! Yikes! My toe nails were long, as you can imagine, and long overdue for attention. I bought that Easy Feet thing (as seen on t.v.) and used that in the shower with my husband’s lovely tea tree body wash. Later, after many more errands and chores were completed, I finally did the whole schpeil. I didn’t get to paint them (couldn’t find my base or top coats), but I did cut, file, trim them and pumiced my heels. WOW! What a difference?!
This also led to my putting up a lil pic I found on Tumblr, to remind myself to floss, like, every day! I floss when I remember and lately that is never.My memory is the worst lately and I’m not sure why (okay, stress is why). Now when I go to the restroom or brush my teeth I see that little comic-gal and her message: “Floss Those Shits” and I giggle and I want to floss! It’s magical, I tell ya! (click pic for original poster on tumblr.)
I do believe, in my great 33 year old wisdom, that self-care is fucking vital to my well-being. I have seen what not doing it can lead to (vicious spirals of sad) and how much better I feel when I’m doing it daily! It’s not always such an undertaking though (and yeah, I consider a pedicure an undertaking). You can do anything for yourself, so long as you enjoy it or it gives you pleasure. It can be as tiny as doing your hair different or wearing a special outfit. It can also be big pampering things or lovely simple things like feeling the breeze or your hair on your bare back (a lovely feeling if you can manage it, I’m growing my hair out to get there again it was that lovely). It doesn’t have to be a big to-do or fuss. In fact I would say it shouldn’t be, but whatever works for you is fine.
It shouldn’t take very long and should fit nicely into your current routine or schedule. I like to use music or just a few quiet minutes in the morning before I open the cafe for business. You can dance, you can sing (or both), you can read a comic book (I recommend “Lenore” she’s my fave)…anything! Cooking, baking, sewing…creative stuff is rad! Or even just buying a new lip gloss or getting a massage from a loved one. All of these things and so much more. But don’t pressure yourself. It defeats the purpose of it, honestly. This isn’t homework or an assignment, this is you doing something for you!
So paint your nails a fun color, let your hair down, wear jeans, or whatever you do that makes you more comfortable or more authentically you! Throw on that Salt ‘N Pepa song (“Tramp” just came on my iPod and is taking me waaaaay back!) and let the music take control, let the music move you! (Ha-ha!) Or you know what? Just daydream for fuck’s sake! How often do we get to do that these days? But most of all, enjoy it! And don’t forget to do it (if you can help it).
Thanks,
<3
S
