Happy February!!

Also, Happy Valentine’s Day, and Happy Galentine’s Day!

I can’t believe this is my 25th month of self-care. I honestly didn’t think that was right, despite me numbering the posts each month. lol. Since starting this journey, I realized just how much I put myself on the back burner. The pandemic helped me to see clearly what I had been doing to myself. I’ve always had a push through mentality, and while it has served me well, there are times when it’s the wrong thing to do. Taking time for myself was key to getting where I am today.

Sure, at the start it was just to get away from everyone who was around 24/7. I value my alone time. In all honesty, I prefer my own company. Having a houseful of people was an adjustment. If I hadn’t already decided to start some self-care, I’m not sure how things would’ve turned out. Back then, my self-care was finding time to myself. I spent a lot of time hiding in closets. No joke. I’d put my noise-cancelling headphones on to drown out the sounds of the house. Sisko would be with me, and we’d just chill. Those times were lifesavers for my sanity.

When those people began to go home, I breathed easier, but things wouldn’t get better until a year later when I moved into an apartment (first time!) and lived by myself (also first time!). That’s when I realized just how much I prefer my own company. Don’t get me wrong, I like spending time with people, especially my kids and family. Being an introvert is good when you’re a writer since I already spend so much time alone. Well, when you have animals, are you really alone? No. 😃 I do have conversations with my furbabies. They’re the best listeners.

Once I moved out on my own, my self-care went up by 100%. Every month I find something to try. Sometimes it’s hair or face masks. My curly hair thanks me immensely for the weekly masks. A few months ago I read an article about how people don’t take care of their feet like they do the rest of their bodies, and I realized I was one of those. So, that’s now on the schedule. I have a pumice stone that I use once a week on my feet. I also now put cuticle oil on my toes (and fingers) after every shower. Since I’m all about clean products, I found a foot lotion that fit that bill. My feet are transformed!

There is more about self-care than products . I know I’ve spoken of it in past blogs, but self-love is just as important—and perhaps, more so. The first time I stood in front of a mirror and told myself I was beautiful was transformative. I try to tell myself that every day. Some days I feel it. Others, it’s difficult to get the words out, but they have made a difference in my life.

Then there are mantras. Everyone should have at least one. During my yoga sessions (Yoga with Adriene (youtube)), she’s always urging us to whisper I’m strong during the practice. I love it. There is something inherently powerful about what we tell ourselves. We usually tend to be extremely critical to ourselves (I know I am. Very, very, very much so ☹️), and kind words begin to shift things within us. I’m strong is a great one. One I say every day (as well as write it down) is I’m worthy.

I hadn’t realized how much I needed those words. Things tend to happen in our lives that we don’t realize. They could start in childhood or occur later in life. They make us begin to feel things we might not be able to put names too, or worse, not even know is happening. It isn’t until we begin our self-care journey and add in self-love that we begin to comprehend where we’re at in our lives—and where we want to go. I encourage everyone to find what your soul needs. That mantra that will change your perspective—and your world. It might be teeny, tiny steps at first, but it’s a start and more than you were doing before.

So, for whoever needs to hear it: You are strong! You are worthy!

This month’s song is none other than Robert Palmer’s Addicted to Love. I love his voice! Enjoy!!

 

xoxox,

DG

 

“Perhaps we should love ourselves so fiercely, that when others see us they know exactly how it should be done.”

~ Rudy Francisco