Self-Care Journey Month 3
It’s odd how much can change in a month. Who would’ve ever thought most of us would be stuck at home working because of the current pandemic? It hasn’t been that much of a change for me, other than the fact there are now three other people in the house with me. I’m used to having the entire house to myself during the day when I write. To say there has been some adjustment is an understatement. But, change is always a part of life. The only thing to do is embrace it and see what happens.
The last couple of months I talked about products I’ve gotten in my self-care journey. I’m not doing that this time. However, the importance of self-care is never so much as it is now. Some of us have spouses or significant others working from home with us. Some of us have teenagers doing school online (or supposed to be doing school). Others have younger kids where they’re having to help them with the school work (my heart goes out to you, because I couldn’t do it). Some have other family staying with them during all of this as well. And even more of us have children, parents, siblings, etc NOT with us that puts an entirely different kind of stress upon us.
We live week-to-week now, wondering if things could go back to normal sooner than we’d hoped. Only to hear that things are slightly worse. It’s our new normal. I hope all of you are holding up okay. It isn’t easy. For two weeks I thought I was managing fine. Turns out I was wrong. I had to go into my closet the other day and just sit. I realized then that while I am okay with change and realize there isn’t anything I can do against it, I still needed to care for me. I was neglecting myself while making sure everyone else was doing okay. That’s where I went wrong. Yes, I went and had myself a good cry to get all the stress/emotion/anxiety out that I’d been holding back.
It was a hard slap in the face that as the weeks progress and we’re essentially homebound with people that we need to respect ourselves and our needs, as well as others. That means take the time to yourself. Be it in the closet, alone in the bedroom, or maybe an hour soaking in the tub with some candles and music. Do what you need to do every single day to keep you mentally and emotionally there for yourself and others. Because people will turn to us. We can’t help them if we aren’t helping ourselves.
We’ve all been – and are going to be – affected in one way or another in this pandemic. Whether it’s financially, emotionally, or physically. Let’s remember to practice patience and kindness. It’s not always easy, I know. I believe that this is a reset button for the world to stop focusing on everything else – work, bills, texts, etc. It’s a time to spend it with family and loved ones in the house with you. To get back to nature, to breathe in fresh air, play board/card/video games with the kids/others, to binge movies we’ve all put off, to bake cookies or make jello with the kids. To get to that huge stack of books we keep buying. To take those long bubble baths with a glass of wine and a book, to remember to care for ourselves as much as we always do others.
Whether you’re the kind of person who uses this time to deep clean the house, organize everything, burn through all the books you never thought you’d be able to get to – and buy more, or just relax on the couch and have long conversations with others, this is the time to do it.
It’s easy to get caught up in the worry about getting essentials, having money to pay for bills, or everything else. But be sure not to let that completely take hold of you. It’s happening to everyone. Somehow, someway, this will work out.
Just remember that you aren’t alone. You don’t have to carry the weight of everything yourself. That you’re stronger than you know, and that there are others who are here if you need them. And more than anything, please take the time to yourself.
xoxox,
DG
Thank you!
Well said! I live alone so don’t have to “take care of anyone” but me, of course. I can’t go visit my son and his wife, which makes me incredibly sad, but my mantra is “this too shall pass!” Thanks for the inspiration and reminders (and good books of course)!
I feel for those who have others to care for I know it’s hard,but if u live on your own it’s a different kind of stress and it’s very lonesome, but thank God for books☺it helps so I am very glad for all the authors so nuff respect to you all you are my saviour 😇👍
I bet it is a different kind of stress. And thank you, sweetie!
You are absolutely right!! Thank you!
Thank you so much! I love to read and re-read all your books! You are so right about everything going on and most of us are doing all we can to make sure everyone is safe. Still it can be hard and hopefully it will be over soon.
I also hope it’s over sooner rather than later.
Well said. I have heard of people dying by themselves and it breaks my heart.
My daughters both in their 20’s still live at home so I’m grateful we’re not separated.
To all take care stay safe and God Bless
You’re lucky to have your daughters at home. My kids are near, but I’ve not seen them in about a month. At least I get to talk to them. 🙂
Thank you.. one of my favorite enjoyment and escape is reading your books… you have a gift. There are days when I am reading your books and I escape into them. The world disappear and I am at Dreagn, watching the dragons , suddenly my nephew would call me and I am back sitting in my chair reading..WOW. To be able to transport a person into a book, that is a gift and I thank you for that… Take care of yourself and your family…Be Safe and God Bless
You are so very sweet. And you’ve totally made my day, Sheila. Thank you so much!!
Thank you, what you said means alot to me. Reading has helped because it takes me away for awhile. I love your books, and I’m always watching for your next book to come out. You are right this is hard on everyone, and they all handle it differently. My mother -in -law came to visit and now she can’t leave. She is 90 years old and this whole thing is scaring her. Take care, stay safe and health.
Thanks, sweetie!
Thanks so much huni I hope things stay safe near you and your family we will all get through this I’m currently reading through the whole series in full order back and forth and cant wait to get to new ones iv yet to read I’m so excited and never had so much time to read. Im so very grateful to your beautiful mind xxxx
A dear friend just passed all by herself, and it’s just so hard for everyone not to be able to do anything. Her children can’t come home home, her husband is stuck at the VA hospital. I’m so grateful for a strong belief in a loving father waiting to welcome us back home.
I’m also very grateful for wonderful authors such as you who share your time and talents with those of who aren’t blessed that way. Thank you!
🤗
Oh, my. That is so horrible. My heart goes out to her family. I just can’t imagine.
You are too sweet. Thank you!
Thank you. You’re an inspiration.
Have everyone of your books and anxiously waiting for the next one.
Continue talking care of yourself as I will continue taking care of mine
Awww. Thank you, Susan!
This was so nice. It is wonderful being exposed to so many beautiful hearts that I’ll probably never meet in person. Including you, DG. I always enjoy your books and the worlds you create. Thank you for sharing the inside of your head. LOL Best wishes to you and yours, and to all the beautiful hearts here that are now connected through you. Hugs to all!
Hugs to you as well, Mary!
You always have just the right things to say. Thank you for bringing a smile and a little peace to my day. Much love to you beautiful.
Love to you as well!
Thank you. This week we found out my husband has lung cancer and while he’s in the hospital I can’t go see him because of the no visitors restrictions. I understand it but it’s hard. I hope this pandemic starts to clear up soon.
Oh, Mary, I’m so very sorry. I can’t imagine how difficult this is for you both. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you! This was beautiful. You have such a way with words. The raw honesty is amazing. Sending you all love and prayers for health and safety! God bless!
Thank you, sweetie!
I work in healthcare, non patient care, and have been lucky enough to be able to work from home for the last couple of weeks. With me at home is my adult son (who talks too much, LOL) and 2 cats. It’s funny because when I work, I have one sitting behind me on the back of the chair and one on the ottoman in front of me. I have my own security team! This virus has changed the whole way we live, as you said. I am concerned for the families who lost someone to this virus and angry at the people who refuse to social distance. An as always, I have the unconditional love of my spoiled cats and many books to dive into and take me to another place, time or person. Sanity relief, hehe. And I thank you for contributing to my sanity relief with your wonderful writing and stories!
Stay safe, Carmella!
Thank you for this Donna! It is such a bizarre time but everyone is going through it. In a weird way that makes it easier. Probably because we know we’re not alone.
In my line of work, I’m receiving all the calls from individuals needing help since they lost employment. It’s heartbreaking and exhausting hearing their stories. I say probably 50 times a day, we’re here to help. When I clock out I then have to care for my minis. They don’t understand any of this. It’s a blessing but then it’s not. They have tons of questions.
Anyways, thank you for this read and letting me vent before bed. Maybe I’ll sleep better tonight now. 🖤🌙💪🏽
Oh, I bet that is extremely difficult. Thank you for what you’re doing.
Thankyou, this was much needed!! ♥️♥️
🙂
Thank you so much for this! All I want to do everyday right now is curl up some where and have a good cry. I am so overwhelmed and stressed. Luckily enough I still get to work. But its stocking in a grocery store. Everyday I worry that Im going to bring something home to my family. Then I feel bad for feeling that way because medical workers have it way worse. Also stressing because I have to play teacher to a 5th grader and I feel like Im struggling more than her. Much props to teachers out there. They are definitely super stars. Your books are helping me de-stress a little everyday. I can not live without them. Stay safe, healthy, and fabulous! Love you Miss Donna!
You know what I love about you Miss Donna? Your true love of your fans! You truly care and it shows. You make yourself available to all of us and actually take the time (time we know you DON’T have😉) to write this every month. You are my hero for that!! 👩💻💪💪
This pandemic has everyone wondering what the “new normal” will be. Personally, I truly think we will come out of it better!
I’ve worked my way through everything DG and actually surprised myself by trying a completely different author and found another that I must keep up with..lol.
Thank you again for ALL you do and please remember we LOVE YOU TOO!!!💖💖💖💖