| How are you guys? No, how are you *really*? As I’m writing, it’s a beautiful 75 degrees, the smoke has cleared, the sun is shining and the door has been propped open, letting a beautiful fall breeze dance around the studio. Looking out the window at the last of the summer blooms, the leaves changing and the clouds drifting, it’s hard to believe we’re in month 8 (or is it 9?) of a world wide pandemic. There’s no doubt about it, this year has been rough and we’re all on edge. The constant stream of election calls, mail, texts, and commercials has only exacerbated the edge, in my opinion. And while most of us are looking to next year for relief, I’ve found myself more and more in the garden, finding peace among the dirt and bugs, in the right now. Our pumpkins “hatched” and this phase of gardening has turned into clean up and “winterizing” the garden, which as far as I can tell is just a fancy word for yard work. With my Grandma’s passing last week, I spent a lot more time than usual rooting around in the garden. The dirt and leaves provide an excellent space to think and I realized just how little time my Grandma spent taking care of herself. She cooked, cleaned and cared for an army of children, diligently helping to raise four generations, but I honestly don’t remember seeing my Grandma sit down, like actually in a chair, until she was past 90. I’m not sure if she ever took care of herself beyond the bare necessities to survive: food, sleep and endless cups of coffee. Thinking about my mom and aunts brought the same conclusion. The women in my family run like robots, taking care of all that needs to be done, but rarely if ever, taking a moment to charge their batteries. While this method works in the short term, I can attest to their burn out, frustration and exhaustion in the long term. When something big, really big, good or bad happens, these wonderful women are already too tapped out to take on any more and this is when we start to see the body protest in big ways. In this time of constant stress, worry, guilt, fear and down right exhaustion, self care is even more important than ever. Whether that means treating yourself to a long hot shower, a favorite show, take out on busy days, packing your lunch, taking a nap, painting your nails or going for a bike ride, self-care is just as necessary as food and sleep. Lemme say that again. Self-care is just as necessary as food and sleep. If you’re like me, and the idea of self care is a novel one, I have a gift for you: my list of “Magic Spells”. These Magic Spells provide quick ways for us to check in and treat ourselves, whether we need big gestures or something small. So go ahead and pick a few favorites, treat yourself to one of them and enjoy a little self care today. Feel free to check in and let me know what you pick and how it goes! Or send me your favorite “magic spell” so I can add it to the list! 🙂 To quote Bill and Ted, “Be excellent to each other.” And self-care on, Dudes. -Rubecca |
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