Self-Care Journey Month 1
I swear it was just January. I’m not sure where the entire month has gone, but it has flown by very quickly. Like most people, I always look at the new year with excitement for beginning new things and anticipation for all things. I’m a big planner (much to the groaning of my family), so you could look at either of my planners on my desk, the calendar on my phone, and the calendars on my computers and know that I keep track of everything. So, I’m really not sure how January seems to have gone by in a blink.
The new year began with a rocky start. In fact, it was a very rough day, but I got through it – as we do – by putting one foot in front of the other. I’d promised myself this year that not only would I continue to try to find balance with my work and personal life (yes, I’m a workaholic) but I was also going to do a lot of self-care. I’ve been eating organic for years, even before it became the popular thing to do. I had no choice. My body simply couldn’t handle food that wasn’t organic.
Then, a few years ago, I read something about shampoo/conditioner and how it needed to be paraben free, sulfate free, etc, etc. I immediately jumped on that, because I might not be ingesting it, but it’s going on my hair, which means its sinking into my scalp. It was such a drastic change from what I’d always used that my hair freaked out. And then I freaked out. It wasn’t pretty. There was a time of about six months when I hated my hair because it wouldn’t curl like it used to. It simply wouldn’t do anything. I read so many things, tried so many natural products for curly hair that I probably couldn’t bought a new car and paid cash for it. (I’m exaggerating. A little.) Then – FINALLY – I managed to find something that actually worked! So much trial and error.
Fast forward a couple of years, and here I am realizing that I should be using other natural products. I love Bath & Body, and while I can’t wear most scented lotions perfume because it gives me migraines, there are some of the lighter/natural scents I love. I don’t know why I’ve not been using soap made of natural ingredients, but that’s changing. I’ve also recently bought all natural deodorant. And I’m liking it, a lot! My skincare routine has also changed, and my skin is loving every minute of it! The Truly Mary Jane CBD Glow Serum is amazing! I’m so happy so many companies are going natural/organic for so many choices.
Not everything I’ve tried has turned out good. Since I have an issue with stress and get massages every other week to help, I looked into natural remedies I could do for my poor back and shoulders. Of course there are the essential oils, the baths, etc. Then, I read about Kava tea. It’s supposed to be taken at night to ease tense muscles and help you relax to get a good night’s sleep. The first night it worked amazing. The ache in my shoulders lessened enough that I could freely move my neck. And I slept good. I should point out that I don’t normally have issues sleeping. I was drinking this more for the muscle tension.
So, I downed another cup on the second night. That night I had dreams that bordered on nightmares. I never remember my dreams, so to be woken countless times by them in one night was disturbing. Worse, the next morning I could barely drag myself out of bed. I couldn’t focus to write, I didn’t want to eat. I didn’t want to do anything. I decided not to drink the tea that third night, and it’s a good thing, because, while I slept better, I still couldn’t get motivated to do anything the next day. It wasn’t until two full days after that last cup that I began to feel like myself again. I lost two days of work, which made my stress double, which means I’m not drinking that tea anymore.
So goes my first month into 2020 of my self-care. Do you have any products you love and want to share? I’m always open to finding new things!
xoxox,
DG
Firstly I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful books and your dedication to US your readers and your ARC Angels!
I have to admit that I’ve never been a fan of organic foods but when it comes to skin care and hair products I pay attention! I use Hempz shampoo and conditioner and I LOVE them! CBD serum is awesome skin care! My skin has never looked or felt better!
I have sinus issues and am also sensitive to certain scents. I tried so many different candle types and then I discovered Scentsy! I was so impressed with the natural ingredients and the assortment of scents and products that I started selling it!! I swear I’m not trying to push my business but I’ll post my website address so anyone interested can look into it..
Thank you!!!
I use Hempz lotion and love it!
I second Hempz. I have autoimmune issues and Hempz is the only thing I can use that actually moisturizes and doesn’t cause flares.
I had no idea it was that gentle. Great to know I was already using a wonderful product.
Here’s to a fantastic 2020. I think we all need a reset every so often. I’ve been drinking a variety of Pique teas, I’ve ordered directly from their website as well as Amazon. They come in convenient single dose packets that dissolve in cold or hot water. I love them! Good luck and thanks for allowing us to follow your journey!
Thanks for sharing. I get frustrated that the stuff that is good for us is always more expensive. Ugh!
I’m slowly losing hair now that I’m older, so I’m trying different shampoos/conditioners. It sucks getting older sometimes. So many changes.
Yes!! I always had really, really thick hair (stylist would actually thin it because it was so thick), but then it began to thin like my Mom’s. We woman freak out about that. lol. I know I did. I found a great solution for my entire hair system. Not only is it all natural, but it’s great for my curls and helps with the thinning. But it is kinda pricey, but I don’t wash my hair every day. Check it out and see what you think – https://amzn.to/2RRE3Wh
Donna, you’ve brought up some pretty great products that I should probably try to work into my daily routine. I purchased the shampoo and conditioner and have a good feeling about them! The reviews sound like I have been missing out on just what my hair needs. Thanks for being YOU! It’s the little things that make all the difference. 🙂
Awww. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing! As always, you are the best! How well does your deodorant work? I want to find a natural one for my daughter and even me eventually but nothing I’ve tried lasts very long. She’ll put it on at 7:30 am and by 1, maybe sooner, she’s the stinky kid. I definitely want to try that Truly Mary Jane Serum. Thank you again!
It works pretty good. It’s the first I tried. I do know that I have to really make sure it goes on. I’ve not used a solid like that in years. I’ve used a spray, so I had to get back into using it properly.
Another great natural deodorant is Kopari. It’s made with coconut oil so if you have drier skin then its a more soothing one and it leaves no residue. I have used Native before and I prefer Kopari. Native has a stickier consistency and can leave a residue on dark clothing. I wear alot of black and dark clothing and Kopari leaves no residue marks in my clothes either.
Oh! Thanks for this, Laurel. I only wear black, so I’d like to avoid any residue.
I’ve been looking for organic as well . A little more natural for self care . Better food. . And getting ready to try go pure beauty and see how that works . Love your books . Always watching my audible for something new from you . I have hours of enjoyment while I’m working . Thanxs Be Safe .. Blessings
Question. What book dose Con get a mate? I keep looking for it. I have read many of her books
Con’s book is INFERNO, and it releases September 2020.