This Sunday feels like a good day to talk about our Self-Care. Did you practice any rituals for yourself over the past week? If not- do you have any plans to carve out YOU time next week?
Tell us:
What’s your name and where are you writing from? AND: if you write on Substack- share your publication name!
Share one thing you’ve done for yourself (or plan to do) this week to practice self-care.
Extra credit: Cheer on another person’s journey to self-care by replying to their comment. This is a support group- let’s support our fellow recovering people-pleasers! <3
This past week I journaled, daily! I LOVE a good journal. A NEW journal is like a blank canvas…just endless opportunities create. This time around, I decided not to pressure myself about what to write, how much to write, or when to write (like I usually do). I found pockets of time between meetings, pre-school pick up and bed time to find my “flow” and connect back to me. I really enjoyed the freedom of spontaneity and will be trying to bring this practice with me into next week.
I’ve been trying the 369 manifestation journal practice (write it 3x in the AM, 6x in the afternoon, 9x at night) but that’s been intense and I have failed. A lot.
I also try to wake up at 5a or 6a to meditate & journal before the world needs me- but that’s not a routine set in stone either.
I really appreciate your vulnerability and participation here, please stay in touch! 🐞
Yes, I (sometimes) do morning pages too! I found that freeing as a journal practice, as I used to be too precious about keeping a journal and what I would write. But many of my morning pages start out "Ugh, I don't want to be doing this, my kids are loud, I need coffee, etc"
I agree it's so easy to push off and lose sight of, but I'll pick mine back up tomorrow after reading your post!
Yes, by the end there is always some insight. And over time, I can see how the creativity turns on, but that's only when I'm actually doing it consistently. 🤦🏼♀️
The other day, when it was torrentially downpouring all day and I had a house to clean and Easter prep to do - I chose to take a bath in the middle of the day! My husband jokes that the big whirlpool bathtub in our bedroom (yes bedroom, not bathroom!) was why I wanted to buy our house. It is a quirky feature to be sure! Usually I have a bath ritual on Friday nights to unwind from the week and relax into the weekend. I'll meditate or read my kindle - but this week I just listened to the rain fall in the afternoon. It felt pretty luxurious!
My mom's house has a bedroom bathtub and it always looks so enticing. Your Friday bath ritual sounds absolutely perfect...you are inspiring me to invest in a rubber duck and perhaps a bath bomb...
Thank you so much for stopping by, everyone go subscribe to Christine's writing, I promise you need this woman in your life. <3
Haha. That's so funny that she has a bedroom bathtub too! I used to love bath bombs, but these days I'm all about the bath salts these days for muscle recovery!
My name is Teri Adams, and I write teriadams.substack.com. I live in Silicon Valley in California with my husband and two very spoiled kitties.
The self-care scenario I did today was putting moisturizing cream on my arms and then putting on “sleevies”—my name for the arm coverings that go from wrist to upper arm, that keep the cream on me and off my sheets and clothes.
I do this for comfort, not for appearance. Since I have gotten older (66), my skin gets so dry it hurts. I could do this two or three times a week, but it is a hassle, so once a week would be an improvement if I could manage that.
Thank you so much for sharing your practice with us- I totally know about the sleevies and I bet they elevate your style to the next level!! I’m leaning into comfort over style both around the house and in public, so your words hit home. Grabbing for my moisturizer now!
I have been journaling and coloring. Some of the coloring has been in coloring books and some on my iPad where I color in my own doodles. I usually listen to a podcast, a book or some relaxing music while I color. Have a great week!
I love coloring too, and have been trying to get my son into it little by little. I didn’t even know you could color on iPad… are you using a special app? So cool, thanks for sharing Jennifer!! 🎨✏️
I use Sketchbook and Notability. Notability is great for note taking, journaling and planning. I use it for my monthly and weekly planner and it’s fun to decorate those with drawings and digital stickers. A digital bullet journal, basically.
This past week I journaled, daily! I LOVE a good journal. A NEW journal is like a blank canvas…just endless opportunities create. This time around, I decided not to pressure myself about what to write, how much to write, or when to write (like I usually do). I found pockets of time between meetings, pre-school pick up and bed time to find my “flow” and connect back to me. I really enjoyed the freedom of spontaneity and will be trying to bring this practice with me into next week.
Any fellow journal-ers here? :)
I journal too. Free-flow journaling or mind dumping to be specific.
3 full pages of mind dumping daily.
I started in 2019 or so when I read Julia Cameron’s The Artist Way.
One thing I’ve learned about journaling is this:
It is one of those “not critically important” in the short-term but “definitely important” in the long term;
Yet as I add more responsibility to my day, my journaling practice seem to be lagging behind.
The practice has become one of those things I easily push off in favor of something else.
I don’t like this state of affairs and I wish to change; to make my journaling practice a daily thing again.
Any tips?
🥹 The Artists Way = gold
I like that you go for 3 pages daily.
I have no advice! 😅
I’ve been trying the 369 manifestation journal practice (write it 3x in the AM, 6x in the afternoon, 9x at night) but that’s been intense and I have failed. A lot.
I also try to wake up at 5a or 6a to meditate & journal before the world needs me- but that’s not a routine set in stone either.
I really appreciate your vulnerability and participation here, please stay in touch! 🐞
Yes, I (sometimes) do morning pages too! I found that freeing as a journal practice, as I used to be too precious about keeping a journal and what I would write. But many of my morning pages start out "Ugh, I don't want to be doing this, my kids are loud, I need coffee, etc"
I agree it's so easy to push off and lose sight of, but I'll pick mine back up tomorrow after reading your post!
You’re right Christine.
Many morning pages probably start of with something similar to “ugh...”
Most of mine start with “grrrr, I don’t know what to write...”.
And I now associate this opening with the feeling I get when I am writing the final paragraph of the third page.
Have you also found that most of the “gold” turns up around the ending?
Thanks for sharing and thanks for the work you do.
Yes, by the end there is always some insight. And over time, I can see how the creativity turns on, but that's only when I'm actually doing it consistently. 🤦🏼♀️
I love that ! I am gonna focus this week on the same ! Thanks ❤️
Good luck this week and report back! 💌
I'm Christine from NJ and I write https://journeyingalongside.substack.com/
The other day, when it was torrentially downpouring all day and I had a house to clean and Easter prep to do - I chose to take a bath in the middle of the day! My husband jokes that the big whirlpool bathtub in our bedroom (yes bedroom, not bathroom!) was why I wanted to buy our house. It is a quirky feature to be sure! Usually I have a bath ritual on Friday nights to unwind from the week and relax into the weekend. I'll meditate or read my kindle - but this week I just listened to the rain fall in the afternoon. It felt pretty luxurious!
Christine!!
My mom's house has a bedroom bathtub and it always looks so enticing. Your Friday bath ritual sounds absolutely perfect...you are inspiring me to invest in a rubber duck and perhaps a bath bomb...
Thank you so much for stopping by, everyone go subscribe to Christine's writing, I promise you need this woman in your life. <3
Haha. That's so funny that she has a bedroom bathtub too! I used to love bath bombs, but these days I'm all about the bath salts these days for muscle recovery!
I did a really cool journaling exercise to move me past a block.
What am I feeling:
Why:
Then listen to the answers as write down why I’m feeling it - as my intuition started giving me advice.
I’m off for a walk and chat with my friend in Australia! (I’m in NZ)
I’m Mika from musings by mika and I write about navigating life after quitting my 9-5 and also my journey here on Substack.
Mika!!! Thank you millions and jillions for joining the self-care support chat!
I really like your advice on identifying WHAT it is that we are feeling and then moving into curiosity of the WHY behind it.
I hope your walk and chat are both the BEST - thank you again for dropping into the thread!
People: go subscribe to Mika's newsletter. She has the BEST threads and is the kindest, most supportive community facilitator out here. <3
Oh my gosh! You are the sweetest! 🥰🥰
Hi Mika,
Thanks for the cool tip for getting past a block.
I wish you the best on your adventurous journey.💪🏾
Thank you so much! It can sometimes be a bit bumpy but the view is usually amazing! 🎢🌅
Hi there.
VictorGo here.
I write the mental science blog.
On Saturday I went to the beach.
To relax, recharge and redirect my path.
It was so fulfilling I am still reaping the benefits.
Did anyone else go to the beach for self care?
Hi V!
Yes 🙌
Where are you writing from?
We are in San Diego, and sunset cliffs is one of my favorite self-care spots to sit and watch the waves crash. Thank you for sharing here today!
I am writing from Ghana.
Thank you for having me here.
My name is Teri Adams, and I write teriadams.substack.com. I live in Silicon Valley in California with my husband and two very spoiled kitties.
The self-care scenario I did today was putting moisturizing cream on my arms and then putting on “sleevies”—my name for the arm coverings that go from wrist to upper arm, that keep the cream on me and off my sheets and clothes.
I do this for comfort, not for appearance. Since I have gotten older (66), my skin gets so dry it hurts. I could do this two or three times a week, but it is a hassle, so once a week would be an improvement if I could manage that.
Hi Teri!
Thank you so much for sharing your practice with us- I totally know about the sleevies and I bet they elevate your style to the next level!! I’m leaning into comfort over style both around the house and in public, so your words hit home. Grabbing for my moisturizer now!
Wishing you and yours a great week ahead. 🐞
I have been journaling and coloring. Some of the coloring has been in coloring books and some on my iPad where I color in my own doodles. I usually listen to a podcast, a book or some relaxing music while I color. Have a great week!
I love coloring too, and have been trying to get my son into it little by little. I didn’t even know you could color on iPad… are you using a special app? So cool, thanks for sharing Jennifer!! 🎨✏️
I use Sketchbook and Notability. Notability is great for note taking, journaling and planning. I use it for my monthly and weekly planner and it’s fun to decorate those with drawings and digital stickers. A digital bullet journal, basically.
That is so cool!! Thanks for sharing- I will check them out! 🙏
Oh, and I write @jenniferleahmiller
I write @carolecline