Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Beginnings

It's an odd thing that as I've begun to listen for my own inner voice, that I've started to...well...CARE about myself again.  I care enough to try to minimize my stress.  I find that I am setting boundaries for what I do with my time, instead of just reacting to the demands of other people.

Another unexpected thing that has come out of this is that I suddenly am taking a little better care of myself.  Like, I care that I haven't made time to have my teeth cleaned in two years, that I need to see a dermatologist about a suspicious spot on my arm.  I want my hair cut and have actually been thinking I might do something more than just the trim I normally get so I can stuff the whole unruly mass into a pony tail.  I'm using a little eye-cream at night.  I'm taking the time to cut up fruit for myself --FOR MYSELF ONLY --for breakfast.  In the past, I just never would have done this.  Take the time to prepare a meal just for me?  Unheard of.

Instead of thinking of myself as an after-thought, --or worse, as someone to punish for falling short of my own ideals-- I am finding some kindness for myself.

This is heady stuff for a woman who has put herself as far out of her mind as possible.

What kindness will you find for yourself today?

4 comments:

  1. I took the time this morning to check my blood pressure.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barb - reading your posts is a reminder of the need for me to slow down, be gentler and try to open my heart up a bit more. Thanks for doing this - even if it is for you, it's sure helping me. Janet

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just might give myself the gift of a "nip it in the bud" kind of sick day tomorrow, rather than being Tough (and getting Really Sick!) And while I'm at it, I think I will be kind enough to buy myself some strawberries, because your photo up there is literally making my mouth water!

    (Also - what Janet said, above!)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I recognosed that I was coming out of my depression last winter when I started taking my fish oil again...it is those little caring things that we must take time to do for ourselves that allow us to then make more and more time and space for the bigger things.

    ReplyDelete