Self-Care Journey Month 5

 

We’re half way through the year. And in this first half, so very much has happened around the world. It’s surreal, like I’m watching a movie or reading a book that I’ve been sucked into. Unfortunately, it’s all too real.

We’ve had to adjust to a new life. For some it’s been easy. For others, it’s been the worst nightmare imaginable. And just when it looked like the virus was getting semi-under control, the states opened up again. I’ve heard arguments for and against lifting the restrictions. Honestly, I don’t know if there is a firm right or wrong for anything. We’re all just feeling around in the dark, hoping to make the right decisions.

Each month, I’ve turned more and more to self-care for myself. It’s a simple fact that the more I care for myself, the more I’m able to care for others as well as my business. Keeping my stress level as low as possible, eating right, laughing often (that’s an important one!), mediating, and exercising have all played a factor. Add in the time I’ve spent outside in the evenings in our beautiful new area either playing cards, eating, sitting around the firepit, or just listening to the birds and the windchimes has been one of my favorite times of the day. We put up small LED (fairy lights) along the fence as well as outlining the deck and it has made me ridiculously happy. Something so small – and cheap – makes me smile. And at the end of the day, finding something to smile about is what’s important.

One of the things G and I love to do is wait until the moon and stars are out and just look at the sky. Sometimes we talk, sometimes we just sit in silence and soak in the tranquility. Recently, G has dragged out his telescope and we’ve been planet watching on clear nights. It’s been so much fun and interesting. Not to mention it adds another benefit to my love of the outdoors.

Most people don’t understand why I’m barefoot when I go outside. It’s because touching the grass or dirt grounds me. Just as I mentioned last time, we are part of nature. We need it. Over time, we’ve programmed ourselves to believe that we’re fine staying indoors and watching TV all the time. It hasn’t been until recently that we’ve all had to take a step back and discover that there’s an entirely different life for us out there. It’s shown us what’s important and what isn’t.

Material things are nice (yes, I have a weakness for purses and shoes. I’m working on that), but it isn’t everything. Family, friends, love, and laughter. Putting down our phones to share a conversation, having book nights where everyone reads together in one room instead of turning on the TV, cooking/baking together and making memories, going outside and playing with the dog or cat that is only ever seen when it’s time to feed them, long baths alone, or sitting outside and just listening to nature.

There are many, many ways to find what feeds your soul for your self-care journey. I’d love to hear some of what you’ve discovered these past months. I’m always looking for different ways to expand.

I’ll close with what I said last month, because I think it’s important enough to say again and again and again. You aren’t alone. You don’t have to carry the weight of everything yourself. You’re stronger than you know, and there are others who are around if you need them. Please, please, take time for yourself.

XOXOX,

DG

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16 Comments

  1. Claudia Kotlarz from Az on June 10, 2020 at 1:07 pm

    Thank you for the calming words. We all have things going on in our lives that are not to our liking and stress builds up. I have to learn to ground myself amd quiet my mind for my own well being. Thanks again!

    • Donna on June 10, 2020 at 2:06 pm

      Thank you!

  2. Diane Rupp on June 10, 2020 at 1:33 pm

    Thank you,your books have kept my mind busy and my sanity.I love your books!

    • Donna on June 10, 2020 at 2:06 pm

      Thank you!

  3. Elida on June 10, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    Thank you for your books. I am addicted and can’t wait for the next one to read.. I have it on pre-order. Also.. thank you for sharing your personal insights. Your spirit shines bright. These are the times where we do need to share, understand each other, love and forgive each other. I appreciate you emphasizing that. All my best!

    • Donna on June 10, 2020 at 2:47 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

  4. Judyann Hunt on June 10, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    Donna your books are my escape! Thank you! My husband has dementia and I am learning a new way of life so escaping into my favorite books is a lifesaver! Like you I have a patio and just got a new sofa set I sit there and escape. My husband even today said honey the bottom of your feet are dirty! I laughed and said yup barefoot is my lifestyle!

    • Donna on June 10, 2020 at 3:48 pm

      I love this so much! Thank you! My mother was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so I understand where you’re coming from. Good luck with everything!

  5. Shelia Booker on June 10, 2020 at 4:14 pm

    Thanks for being such a gifted story teller. Between reading and crocheting, I have been able to escape some of the madness. Reading has allowed me to laugh out loud and cry. It allows me inner peace and empathy with others. During this time, just sitting out on my porch and reconnecting with neighbors (from a safe distance), watching the different varieties of nature in my area has brought me a sense of calmness. I love it!

    • Donna on June 10, 2020 at 4:17 pm

      Thank you!!

  6. Sheila Taylor on June 10, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    I , also am enjoying sitting outside. The front porch to wave at the passers-by and the back patio to enjoy the peace and solitude of nature. I have been rereading the Dragon King book from the beginning to get ready the new June release. They are great fun and escape. Thank so much!

    • Donna on June 10, 2020 at 6:29 pm

      Yay! Thank you!

  7. Andre king on June 10, 2020 at 11:12 pm

    Your words have a calming effect during a time of anguish for us all. I read each one and have hope we will be able to meet again.

    • Donna on June 11, 2020 at 9:55 am

      Thank you!

  8. Felicia on June 11, 2020 at 1:27 pm

    Thank you for your amazing books. I love visiting the worlds you have created (I feel just for me) I am an essential worker , I work in the emergency room and I look forward to visiting my favorite world of dragon kings,highlanders and reapers literally very day! I love love love reading. Thank you for your wonderful words of self care and exercise also. You are one of my most favorite authors and please don’t stop building worlds for your readers to escape to! We really need you in our lives!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXXOX

    • Donna on June 11, 2020 at 1:33 pm

      Thank you!

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