My husband had shoulder replacement surgery last week (he's doing well), and I considered taking this week off. That thought eventually progressed to writing about why I wasn't going to share anything. Oh, there's a lesson in everything!
Caretaking someone after a major surgery can make it challenging to find time to meet one's own needs. But even every day life in these uncertain times can leave us out of sync with ourselves, off routine, and unable to meet some of our most basic well-being needs.
After five days of being a caretaker who didn't make time for a walk, or much else for my own well-being, I am tired, irritable, restless, and feeling guilty about some of those feelings... And did I mention I'm tired?
As I thought about doing this week's email, I thought to myself, No, I'm going to do the next right thing for me and I don't think it's writing. It may be a walk, it may be painting, a bath or a nap, but probably not writing. Plus, I realized this was a great time for me to practice what I preach about tuning into our needs and taking good care of ourselves.
I decided the next right thing for me was a walk. It was 32 degrees and lightly flurrying, but I didn't care. I layered up and felt exhilarated to get outside and move my body. I fed a feral kitty down the street whose previous feeder moved and that felt good too, because for once, I actually saw her and she went to the food right away. But more than anything, I reveled in finally doing something positive for my spirit (and body).
However, on my walk, I realized it would be a perfect opportunity to tell you why I wasn't going to write this week. And besides, if I didn't tell you, how would you know about the good self-care example I was setting?
So I'm compromising by sharing my self-care win and keeping this week's meditation short. When someone else shows me their own self-care and self-love by example, it inspires me to step it up for myself. So please let this inspire you to do something that you've been putting off so your soul can do a Happy Dance too.
Today, be encouraged to ask yourself, What's the next right thing I need to do for me today? I hope you'll do it. And when you're done, ask the question again. I'd love to hear about your experience in our FTG Reader's Group. (link below)
We can creatively let our days unfold by staying present and meeting our commitments as well as our needs, moment by moment.
Until next week, tune into your spirit, take good care of yourself, stay well and keep finding the gifts! "See you" in our group.
