Monday. The day I look at my nifty new "planner" and see what the week holds in store for me. You know how there are some weeks that you do this and just want to go back to bed? It's booked solid.
I hear my spiritual guru's saying "Live In The Moment".
I hear my yoga teacher saying "It is what it is".
I hear the song "What will be, will be"
I hear myself telling my journaling class to make a list of all the ways you can nurture yourself and do something on that list this week for homework.
I know the top three are a given. I want to come into this week refreshed and calm and full of joyous positive energy. It took me all of two minutes to know what was next, what I would cram into this week, what I HAD to do for ME.
Use my spa coupons. I know this may at first not sound healthy, but I canceled my dentist appointment and booked a massage for this week instead, then rescheduled my mammogram and booked a manicure/pedicure too. During the luxuriating treatments I am helping myself by loving myself enough to make time, special time, for me. Hey I have gift certificates and coupons - they are meant to be used, no?
It is the idea of taking a bit of control for self-nurturing, letting yourself know that yes, you matter, that is important here. Do you know when I had people make this list in journaling class, they were hard-pressed to come up with much? Like they hadn't really given this much thought? Have you?
Anyone taking the class knows about Suzen's Lists --- Suzen's list of 100 things. They dread them. They love them.
This is the first one they get: List 100 ways you can nurture yourself.
For some people this feels really strange --- especially women who are the major caretakers of families. Sometimes they look at me like I'm nuts! (Of course the jury is still out on that one.) I see the questions on their faces --- "What? You mean I have MORE to do than I'm doing?" You know that bumper sticker "If Mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy"? Yeah, it's like that.
The things on the list don't have to be costly - how about a nice luxuriating bubble bath? There is always the walk in the park, the time browsing at the library or the mall or craft/art galleries. Julia Cameron in her book "The Artists Way" calls for a weekly date with yourself. This time for and with yourself can nurture your creative spirit. Think of things you can do for yourself and enjoy whatever it is without feeling guilty. It's ok. Give yourself permission. In reality it will only take a few hours this week but I am feeling more peaceful inside already just having made the appointments. I also filled in a few other things for the week - time for ME with no guilt allowed.
Let me know if you get to 100. Nobody has. Not even me, though Godonlyknows I try!
suZen
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Monday, May 10, 2010
Pampering - A Commandment in the Works!
Labels:
appointments,
compassion,
creative,
daily planner,
Julia Cameron,
love,
nurturing,
permission,
stress,
The Artists Way,
time
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I like your idea of tending to our selves. We need to be a priority in our own days to ensure a healthy, energized, positive life. Walking does it for me. And green tea in the evening. Music, particularly live. Being with my family. Oh gosh, now I've got to go make that list and see how far along I get!
ReplyDeleteI am simply amazed at how the universe works! I am on day 10 of my 31 Day Pledge of Peace. Where I am allowing myself to love, be kind to and nurture ME. Something I've never truly done, but feel it is SO necessary at this time in my life.
ReplyDeleteI bought 2 new CDs and spent time listening to them over the weekend. I also took a 4 hr. hike in Sedona with hubs and another couple. I guess that's nuturing us?!?
ReplyDeleteI do want to get a new journal and sketch pad. I'm on it this week. Thx for the encouragement.
Why do we think self sacrifice is something noble when all it does is making us fume inside?
ReplyDeleteSo I am in for the list, hmmm I can come up with one this week, a haircut. Oh I have to do better than that don't I? Okay, Friday afternoon is mine too for spinning. Thanks SuZen this post sounded like a Millie one. xox Wilma
Wow, 100. That's truly something to shoot for, suZen. I'm pretty good at pampering myself, and I sure do like your style! Hugs to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteHi SuZen .. I've never really been good at this 'stuff' .. ie not desperately into hair (not a lot of it!), painted nails .. too much a tomboy, clothes - can't wear most of the fabrics ..
ReplyDeleteI'd love a holiday .. but while Mum goes on - I don't want to do that - it's unfair on her.
Then a holiday, peace and quiet, time for reading, time for me, I'd have massages, I'd do courses .. to learn, to develop myself, time for sleep actually! I'd have 5 days and have a weekend - last one was 3 1/4 years ago?! Don't complain .. as Wilma said .. that others don't help - they don't think of my Ma .. just themselves ...if they thought of my Ma - then I could go and feel relaxed.
My time will come .. & by then the 100 will be a piece of cake ..??!!
Everyone - enjoy your moments for you .. I count my blessings for my time with my Ma .. Hilary
100? No way! And I've become good at nurturing myself! Beyond the baths, vacations, etc. what about a loving thought for yourself: "I'm a loving woman and I'm doing really well." That goes a long way to 'pampering' our moods and souls. I like to daydream and...shall I dare say this...read a good romance novel. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you!
Maryse
I love that you canceled two doctor appointments to take care of yourself. For many people, the dentist is the opposite of relaxing! (Although I really enjoy seeing my dentist...) I'm not sure I could come up with 20 things to do, let alone 100. Then again, I've structured most of my life to be EASY, FUN and relaxed. It was an intention I set a couple years ago that has since manifested. "My life feels like one big vacation... I'm doing what I love, with the people I love, on a schedule I love, and have more than enough money!" YEAH BABY!
ReplyDeleteMake one's entire LIFE nurturing --- how's that for over the top?!!
Much love to you!
Hi Joanne! I enjoy a cup of tea and listening to music too! Both are on my list. Have fun making yours!
ReplyDeleteHi Tabitha! Oh I love your program! Enjoy it! Let it continue to be a part of your life - it sounds fabulous - I'd like to know more about it if you can email me.
Hi Tess! Hope you get that new journal and sketch pad - that's definitely "me" time stuff! And hey, us time is a good thing too! Keep on shining Tess!
Hi Wilma! Millie pounded this into my head over the years - it was one of the best gifts ever! And my mom did too once I had my babies. She would come over for a weekend to stay with the kids when I would take a day to myself. We need to teach this to our daughters don't ya think?
Hi Patty! Yes, 100 - haha! Give it a go! You would love some of the other 100's I dished out! They were all to make one think and perhaps out of the box. Maybe I'll post about them in the future.
Hi Hilary! Everyone needs some self-nurturing and less excuses. We have no gaurantee we will even HAVE tomorrows - don't mean to sound fatalistic but it's true. Grab a piece of time for yourself to just lounge, read and relax.
ReplyDeleteHi Maryse! 100 does seem a lot, but make a list and see how far you get. Put things on it that you haven't done yet - it's always nice to just think (daydream) about them! :)
Hi Megan! Great that you are all about the nurturing - and look how happy you are because of it. I really think a little lovin' ourselves is a GOOD thing - it enhances all areas of your life.
SuZen -- I'm pleased to see that you are taking care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteYou've issued quite a challenge -- 100 ways to nurture yourself. You are right this should be easy, but I opened a Word document and it only has about five things....a long ways to go.
On the other hand, I think this is an excellent exercise, TEACHER. It should be considered an on-going work of art. Thank you:~)
Hi suZen
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE your ideas of nurturing yourself. It is true, if we are not happy, than all those around us suffer. We need time and special time for ourselves. Whether to re-group, to relax or just to unwind in a different way, it is necessary for most who live in a typical urban lifestyle. So good for you!
As for the mammograms, I know this is a very personal choice, but have you looked thoroughly into all the pros and cons of them.
I think you would really enjoy the material on Mike Adams' site NaturalNews.com - he has abundant info on all topics that touch natural health and I think you would really enjoy it.... He has done lots of work and research on mammograms too, worth reading for anyone who is considering getting them or getting them done.
Wishing you a great end to this what sounds like fun week!
Hi suZen,
ReplyDeleteI love Megan's comment--life is one big vacation...I'm going to adopt that for myself:)
As for your post, many women are so other focused--they forget about--or don't make time for, themself. I understand you wanted pampering so cancelled your appointments--your body needed luxury not care. Your *you* time is precious, so you honor that for you. Something to be celebrated....
My personal philosophy is that my heart needs to be full of healthy, whole, happy so that I may share healthy, whole, happy....so on my rare days off with no children, nor work, I focus on filling my well...chucking my to do list and focusing on my want to do list...
Of course, these days are few and far between, so I make it a priority to take daily time for myself, time to be quiet or to revel in an activity that I love. And I teach my children to do the same.
Hi Suzanne, thank you for sharing this post. It's important that a person sets a "me-time" for himself. This helps him rejuvenate and find his source of inspiration. Finding time for one's self also allows a person to focus on the positive aspects of his life to be able to achieve his goal.
ReplyDeleteI had to put it on the credit card, but decided I needed to do this for me...a new dishwasher and oven....I just can not stand so much any more...I will figure this out but 8 months without was just too much.
ReplyDeletesometime the dentist is me time too! Though they canceled on me again this week.
fun post...good for you...:) good for us :)
hi Suzen,
ReplyDeleteHow's your adventure over there?
wow.. 100 things that can nurture ourselves? I've never thought of that.Interesting.I'm in for sure. I'll try to list them up and I'll tell you when I'm done :)
Hello SuZen,
ReplyDeleteI'm falling behind with my reading and I'm so sorry about that.
After going to Santa Fe for Wade's Grandfather's Memorial Service, I have been getting up at 6am to walk with Muki and it is completely soul filling. That early morning light and quietness fills me with complete happiness, and then I come home to my "For Sale"sign!
But...I am also in heavy with the bartering system, everything I do now is for trade with my writing and I feel that I am being pampered more than ever. Gotta love that!