What Self Care Means
a short, low-edit stream of consciousness essay
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I recently participated in Brooke McAlary's writing retreat and the focus was on writing as self-care. It got me thinking about what “good enough” writing is for me and if I can allow myself to put something out there that isn’t perfect (by my own self-critical standards).
What feels good enough for me is writing that flows easily without tight editing - a realease without holding back.
When I wrote the following piece on self-care, I didn’t intend to share it with anyone. It was purely a pen-to-paper flow, just for me. In an effort to get over my unnecessary and heavy perfectionism, I decided to share it with you.
So here goes nothing…
Self Care Means…
I will give myself space.
Mental space to process one moment at a time.
Emotional space to feel deeply without stuffing away.
Physical space to feel like I can breathe in my environment.
Self care means focusing on how it feels, not what it looks like.
Being myself without reservation or judgement - not caring how I appear or listening to self-criticism.
Loving myself wholly and creating space to BE, with a sigh of relief.
Embracing my God-given strengths and natural shortcomings, knowing this is all part of my intended makeup.
Self care means I will care for myself as I would a dear friend.
Being gentle, yet straightforward.
Available and ready in times when I need extra care, just a heart-call away.
Wanting the best for myself and encouraging along the way.
Seeing myself as someone worthy of love, sometimes tough love.
Self care means I will come home to myself and check in often.
How am I really doing? What do you need?
I am here for you now.
Self care is the ultimate message to myself that I am worth it.
My Favorites
Lisa Olivera’s post, especially this line:
“It’s exhausting to prioritize the outcome over the process when it comes to art-making or writing or anything we do, so I’ve been practicing not doing that as much, here and elsewhere; the practice helps a bit.”
I picked up this new pair of jeans.
This podcast episode from Myquillin Smith on decorating for fall. (Hint: It’s not superficial.)
Listening to this song:
A sweet little watercolor painting I spotted at a quaint coffee shop Up North Wisconsin.
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- Diana xo
Love those graphics!!
Thanking All of you for this.