I’ve been feeling overwhelmed as of late. I’m back on deadline editing my manuscript. I’ve got lots of converging deadlines, piles of administrative crap, and a general lack of sleep. If it weren’t for my VA, bookkeeper, accountant, Nurture Huddle, and wonderful hubby, I would probably be at my wits end. Thank goodness I can lean on them for support!
Yesterday I was finishing up a video on self-care that will post tomorrow on Spring. It was a great reminder to ask myself what I needed in the midst of all that’s going on.
While I didn’t make it to painting class today, I carved out 15 minutes to connect with my inner muse. I covered the kitchen table with a huge sheet of butcher paper, squeezed some paints on to a tray, and allowed myself to enjoy the sensation of putting paint to paper.The paint even smelled good! It was amazing to just give myself that bit of time to recharge by doing something I love.
My deadlines aren’t going anywhere, and I acknowledge I’m just in a crunch time for the next few weeks. But even so, I know there are small, simple things I can do to stay grounded. I can pick up my paint brush again tomorrow, I’m drawing boundaries around e-mail correspondence, and I’m enjoying going for walks outside with my dog. Remembering to breathe is good, too!
My self-care Fridays seem extra special during the summertime. The gorgeous sunny days and balmy breeze invite a carefree spirit.
Here’s how I’ve honored my self-care Friday so far today:
- Went for a dip in the pool
- Lounged in my backyard hammock
- Got creative inspiration from flipping through Maira Kalman’s The Principles of Uncertainty
- Sipped a luscious blueberry smoothie
- Picked blackberries from the wild brambles that randomly grow in my backyard (maybe they’ll go into tomorrow’s smoothie!)
I love how peaceful it is to look up at the canopy of green leaves rustling in the breeze. It’s the perfect place to have my own zen-like mini-vacation.
How do you slow down and savor during the summer? What self-care practices can you incorporate into your life this weekend?
For more ideas on self-care and slowing down this summer, check out my final post on the wishstudio.
Friday’s are my self-care days. I don’t schedule meetings or calls. I take quiet time to just be. To unplug. To not feel obligated to do anything. It may not be for the entire day, but even just having a few hours of white space helps me recharge from the week. When I don’t gift myself with this weekly mini-retreat, I get cranky and resentful. But when I allow myself to indulge in some breathing space, I can relax, enjoy, and even get inspired!
Today I treated myself to a much needed mani and pedi. Feels good to be able to wear sandals and flip flops proudly again! I also enjoyed a lovely walk in the sun with my dog.
Here’s my cute pooch Emmett hanging out in the front yard with me. Oh, he’s such a sweetie. Cuddles with Emmett are also a good part of self-care Fridays!
How do you practice self-care? What’s different for you when you enjoy breathing space?
P.S. – I had the pleasure of being interviewed on a few podcasts recently. If you’re wanting some creative inspiration, take a listen:
My 2010 theme of grounded growth has been a valuable touchstone. Whenever I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed or stressed out, I reconnect with my intention. Here are some simple ways that I’ve practiced grounded growth the past few weeks:
- Practiced yoga at home. While I love going to intense vinyasa classes and working up a sweat, sometimes it’s more beneficial to do my own practice at home where I can follow my own breath. My body needed to slow down and I listened.
- Took my pup for a long walk on the one day when it didn’t rain. We both enjoyed the crisp, fresh air and hint of sunshine.
- Journaled in the morning.
- Carved out focused time for my writing. My new favorite secret weapon is the cool tool Concentrate for the Mac which allows you to eliminate distractions on your computer like social media, websites, and applications. I’ve logged more than 12 hours of writing since getting it a few weeks ago. Funny thing is I discovered it on Twitter when I was supposed to be writing!
- After a long couple days of intense work, I took a night off and watched a DVD with my hubby.
- Took a yoga class today and loved that my teacher started us off with some deep breathing in reclining butterfly. He had us extend our exhale to help us ground and expand our inhale to help us spread out. A great physical practice of my grounded growth theme!
How are you practicing your theme for the year? What little things can you do to embody your intention?
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Kimberly Wilson’s Hip Tranquil Chick Retreat in New York. Two-plus days full of creativity, yoga, journaling, meditation and lots of other yummy activities – who could ask for more? Oh yeah, and some retail therapy (Kimberly brought pieces from her spring line of TranquiliT eco-clothing) so, of course, I had to pick up a few things!
I took Kimberly’s Yoga and Creativity workshop in San Francisco last year, so I enjoyed getting a whole weekend to bask in the hip and tranquil lifestyle!
There was a dreamy library brimming with books written by women. I loved how there were lots of cozy corners in the farmhouse. My intention for the weekend was self-care, so I went to bed early and slept in late and took every opportunity to nourish myself.
On Saturday night we made vision boards while watching Sex and the City. It was lots of fun! On the floor in the front, there’s Mary Knebel founder of Self Help Goddess, a website that brings together the best of self-help resources.
Kimberly invited me to lead a section of the retreat. I guided the group through a visualization to meet their Inner Muse and we broke out the crayons, markers and glitter glue to create Inner Muse portraits. What a treat to see the creativity flowing and to hear some of the personal discoveries. Thanks, Kimberly for an amazing opportunity!!
Lesley Williams from the Creative Cookie and I paired up to discuss how we can improve aspects of our “Wheel of Life.” It was great to share ideas for living a healthy life!
Kimberly had us do our vision boards on folders. What a brilliant idea! My vision board focused on finishing my book and book proposal with ease and flow. So many ideas bubbled up for me during this retreat and I’m excited to start working on them. Also, participating in this retreat and getting to lead a couple of hours helped underscore for me my goal of leading retreats for women in the future.
Me with Kimberly Wilson and Sharon Burton
I had a blast getting to chat with Kimberly throughout the weekend. And I was thrilled to finally meet my blogging buddy Sharon Burton in person! We’ve been connecting on Twitter, Facebook and our blogs for some time and Sharon’s also taking my Right-Brain Business Plan Teleclass, so it was really cool to hang out with her!
And here are all the magnificent ladies! I met such cool, amazing and inspiring women and I’m really excited about what they’re up to!
If you’re wanting to go on retreat either away or for a few hours at home, check out Jennifer Louden’s The Women’s Retreat Book which offers some great suggestions for designing your own personal getaway. I highly recommend going on retreat at least once a year to clear your head and to relish in relaxation and rejuvenation.
(Note: last five photos are from Kimberly Wilson and Sharon Burton).
