Spoil me...

You can't take care of others when you yourself aren't cared for. If I don't get some quality "me" time every once in awhile, I get cranky. I need to spoil myself and not feel guilty about it. Each of us has our own quiet spot to escape from the hectic world.

I can find zen in the bottom of a cup of coconut chai tea, warrior pose or tree pose during a good yoga session. Some of my other favorite and inexpensive self-care tricks are a hot bath with some candles (I don't lock the door in-case I get so relaxed I need help getting out - a very pruney lesson learned!) - or sitting or walking outside with new music on my Ipod. Lately I find it in hula hooping with my daughter. The repetitive motion and circles is very relaxing, and it doesn't hurt if your companion is a giggly three year old. Finding money in the budget for the occasional massage therapy appointment works, but in a pinch a coffee session with the girls does wonders too.

Today I found peace in power washing, sounds crazy right? I thoroughly enjoyed watching the pressure of water remove dirt and grime, leaving behind fresh new wood on the deck. Peeling the layers back, getting to the root. It was a like a rebirth of me and our deck. A little water and some elbow grease and the deck looks new! It was like cleaning and purging the soul. However; after a few hours I no longer enjoyed power-washing and still have some left for tomorrow. I may need that hot bath and tea to relax.


lastly my favorite self-care tip is surrounding yourself with caring, loving & supportive friends/family. You never know when the pain will get so bad you need someone to brush your hair, and you can blame your bad hair day on them! Or you need someone to finish power washing your deck