self-care is...
more than manis, massages, & expensive vacations (but also, not less)
Self care is…
Filling my own cup, preferably with coffee--white mocha, to be specific--with a marshmallow dream bar and ham and cheese croissant on the side, and did I mention that I always get these same few things from Starbucks? Give me a parking lot, an empty van, an audiobook, and I'll indulge in my treats in peace.
Self-care is…
Tending to my home while being rocked and swayed by rhythmic bass and sultry strums in my ear buds, or out of the Alexa on the kitchen counter, open windows offering breezy background vocals. Telling all the kids to grab a book and settle down as I create an environment I can enjoy being in, "learning to love what must be done" by plunging my hands deep into a sink of dirty dishes because a clean kitchen clears my mind.
Self-care is…
Strolling leisurely along the tree-lined trail at the park with kids in view, jogging on the treadmill, running back and forth on the neighborhood street. Lingering in the Aldi middle aisle (what will I find today?) and in front of the paintings at the art gallery, head tilted to the side.
Self-care is…
Visiting the parents' house that, twelve years later, they still like to call mine, opening the lock--it's my key, but their door--kids spilling inside, a scattering of shoes in their wake. Collapsing on the couch, raiding their fridge, studying the same, dated family pictures on their fireplace mantle that have faithfully been there for years. Years.
Self-care is…
Clicking the "purchase" button for those comfy-stylish pants, the cute yet practical sneakers, that pricier protein powder--an order placed for myself, not for the kids, because “look good, feel good” is sometimes true, because size is just a number (even if it is going up), and because it turns out that this mindset shift actually is for the kids after all.
Self-care is…
Arriving for the optometrist/dentist/allergist appointment I set for myself, not rescheduling, not putting it off, acting like an image bearer by stewarding my body, my health, my wholeness. Living like I have decades and decades to go, even if the years are just a vapor.
Self-care is…
Writing--pen to page, thumbs to screen, fingers to keyboard--word after word, not letting my eyes stray to backspace/delete/the eraser too often. Of course there's the dishes (full), and the laundry (overflowing), but what of my soul? Should it remain empty, these soul-deep thoughts suppressed, for the sake of a tidy house? This spilling over of words is a kind of filling up (not even to be rivaled by coffee).
Self-care is…
Gathering a group of moms to discuss creativity on a Friday night, after four months of planning, over too-sweet wine and French soft cheese and fig crackers from Trader Joe's. Holding space for the unique ways we each create in the margins of motherhood, ohh-ing and ahh-ing over dreams and designs one moment and laughing about reality tv the next.
Self-care is…
Retreating to a quiet place with the lover of my soul, refreshing myself beside still waters. Nourishing my inner being with the bread of life and communing with the one who constantly intercedes of my behalf. When all else is lacking, is missing, is put on the shelf and moved to the back burner, here, I remain cared for. Even if my outer self wastes away, here, my soul is renewed day by day.
Love this whole post so much, Ash! It's inspiring me to make a list of how I can take care of myself this summer ❤️ And I know I've told you this like three times across three different platforms (🤣) but truly, I am SO HONORED that you would host a Create Anyway book club. I hope the evening was life-giving to everyone who attended!
Yes to all these aspects of self-care. I’ve been thinking about ways to better care for myself this summer!