Rainy Days
On rainy days, like it is today in Vancouver, BC, I just want to curl up and sit in my pajamas with a cup of tea. Instead, I sit contemplating on how often I don’t take moments like that for myself. Why is it, that when we’re busy and taking care of community members, patients or family members, we feel like we can’t find time to take care of ourselves?
The ability to take care of others using our hearts, comes from the lessons we learn about taking care of ourselves. We can be taught how to create a self-care plan with a client or patient. We are sponges when it comes to watching how others don’t take care of themselves. We might even say, “Man, I hope I don’t ever do that!” or “I’d never do that to myself!” But what’s the difference between the things those ‘others’ are doing from what we don’t do for ourselves on a daily basis?
I know the list of things we could do for ourselves is extensive. It might include things like yoga, taking a bath, having a nap, playing with the kids or meditating. I’m thinking, getting down to the real basics in life, the list would look something more like this:
- eat an apple/orange/grapes, etc.
- get at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night
- allow myself to smile and laugh at least once a day
- allow myself to cry when I need to
- change my thoughts into positive affirmations so my mind doesn’t process anything negative
- have a cup of tea
Giving myself simple gifts in life, can cause more change and more caring so I can proudly be me, and in turn, proudly take care of those who need me.
