I'm on deadline--my 2nd novel is due March 1. My first novel drops on February 12. These are glorious, busy, crazy, stressful times. So I'm going to do something wise: I'm going to take care of myself. I'm going to be very gentle, very kind. Rather than get into "finals/term-paper mode" (you know, no sleep, no grooming, lots of caffeine), I'm going to take it easy. I'm going to write every day, but only with the intention of about 500 words a day. If I get more than that, great. If not, that's okay too. I'm in great shape to meet my deadline and I'm going to move forward under the assumption that I will. I'm going to move forward under the assumption that everything, as Mary J. puts it, is just fine. Because it is. No matter what happens.
I'm also going to:
exercise (gently) every day
pray a lot
get a massage (or 2 or 3)
keep my Rescue Remedy handy
write in my journal
take naps
breathe
watch at least one comedy a week
trust the process
If y'all have any other suggestions for self-care, I'd love to hear them. What do you do to take good care of yourself?
13 comments:
Other things I do are:
•Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day.
•Always eat breakfast.
•Be aware of and appreciate things of beauty (flowers, animals, clouds, pretty dresses, whatever)
•Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
•Do yoga.
•Read the funnies every morning, even if I don't have time to read anything else in the paper.
What is your Rescue Remedy?
Shauna, These are great. And most of them I have down (except for eating lots of veggies).
Bach's Rescue Remedy:
http://www.rescueremedy.com/
I've heard great things about it and just started using it recently.
Well, I've been trying to practice something you blogged about recently--the "let it go" technique. :-) It helped a few times over the holidays, and let me get back to focusing on the right things at the right times.
carleen,
it sounds like you already know how to take care of yourself.
good for you for practicing enormous self care. self-compassion is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves and our loved ones.
i also try to remember the saying, 'everything will work out in the end; and if it hasn't worked out, then it's not the end.'
Julie, Perhaps you can see I'm still working on the same stuff. Yes--also trying to let go and let God.
Olufunke, That is a great saying. Thanks for sharing!
You are indeed a wise woman. I know you'll reach that deadline in a zen state.
Patry! So glad to see your prognosis is GOOD! Thanks for stopping by!
I think you're doing everything right and you know what? Everything is going to happen exactly as it is meant to. I am very excited about the book launch and I know you'll do fine with your deadline. I still have that newspaper photo of you working diligently in your office sitting right in front of me for inspiration -- and you are an inspiration :)
get a facial and a pedicure. Getting your feet and your head pampered are very relaxing.
Perhaps this quote might help as well: "Don't push the river, it flows by itself."
Just let it carry you along!
Y'all have helped me so much today--you have no idea! One of the things I've been fretting about is making travel plans for the VA Book Festival and trying to arrange for signings around the same time. My travel form is due today and the other stores aren't arranged yet. Today, after all your comments and a nice long writing walk, I realized: so what? I might just have to book a different flight and make another trip instead of doing the east all at once. It's so not the end of the world!
Lisa, wow...me an inspiration? Thanks!
Ello, Yes, head to toe pampering is a must!
Larramie, Thank you for this quote!
Great list.
A massage is a great idea. Almost as much as a bit of exercise. Also, relax and enjoy the process. This isn't something you have to do, this is something you get to do. You've earned it. Enjoy each moment.
What I do to take care of myself:
Slow down.
Buy myself something that smells good.
Watch the birds and listen to them sing.
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