Healing

I feel like the combination of where I live and the field I'm in has left me saturated in two words... "Self Care." It's used in marketing constantly and it usually goes hand-in-hand with "spend money on yourself." 

Instead I think of self-attention to be healing moments. Giving myself the time I need and attention I crave to heal. Healing is different than "cure" of course. Healing to me is sacred time to sooth your soul and body. It never fails to leave me uplifted.

Here are some things I've been doing lately to aide in my healing:

• Using my spoons to make homemade gluten free pizza for dinner. Anytime I want. (Here's my favorite crust.) 
• Taking naps as often as I can (till I'm working again of course.)
• Noticing little things like flowers and fluffy bees.
• Literally taking time to smell the roses.
• Petting my dogs every morning first thing when I get up.
• Watching movies that I love like Moonstruck and You've Got Mail.
• Painting my nails (because I feel like the days I can do this for myself are numbered. AND it makes me smile to have colorful fingers.)
• Blogging and writing in my journal.
• Doing little doodles about how I'm feeling at that moment.
• When my husband reads me a story or rubs my back (or holds my hand, or gazes at me, or...) 

MMmmm... PIZZA!!!

My adorable puppies.
How could I NOT spend as much time as possible giving them pets?

I'm noticing what all of these things have in common (with the exception of my husband) is that they don't include other people. I'm a major introvert and get my spoons from being alone or with my beloved. NOT from being out in the world with other people. 

Figuring out what gives you spoons and indulging in those activities while trying to minimize what takes your spoons is vital. At least for me. And colorful nails. That's vital too.

Self Care Day

Today I have a date with a Queen. And with myself. 

I like to make Sunday a time for "self care." That means giving myself a nice facial, perhaps even taking a bath. But today is even more special. Although I adore my in-laws I opted out of a day of visiting for staying home alone and really amping up my typical routine.

First up: The face mask

Because I am keeping away from chemicals (and because I'm a creative self-sufficient soul) I like to make my own face products. This lovely swamp-green face mask is actually a mixture of European clay, jojoba oil and neem oil. I love all three. Smear it on good and leave it there for about 30 minutes or so.

You can play with the ingredients based on your need. If you're having thrush or a yeast problem add unsweetened full fat yogurt & some honey. If you're having a break out problem add a few drops of tea tree oil. Get the idea?

While that's sitting on your face you can mix up the next step. Or, if you're a rule breaker you can even do this scrub BEFORE your mask.

Mouth Watering Scrub:

First combine regular white sugar (it has the best texture) with a bit of coconut oil, instant espresso and cocoa powder. Put it in the microwave for a few seconds (no more than 30) and mix.

This is what you'll have! If you want to know why I picked those ingredients, feel free to give them a Google (you lazy rule breaker you.) Each one is beneficial for your skin. After you rub the mask off your face with a warm wash cloth (or before), you'll liberally apply this to your skin and gently scrub. GENTLY!!! You don't want to abrade yourself. 

Feel free to make up a big batch of this and use it all over your beautiful body.

After my scrub I'll be taking a lovely soak with this bad boy. It's my favorite "treat" that I don't eat. Nothing bad in it either.

Though I have to remember to not get the water TOO hot because that can really ramp up my neuropathy. Ohhh temperature sensitivity. I remember life before your bossy influence.

After a wonderful soak (where I may or may not read in the tub) I have a date with this lovely lady. I'm on Season 2 and enjoying every guilty minute of it. 

I hope you're having an equally indulgent Sunday.