Tag: self care

Project John Stamos

In Uncle Jesse’s words… “have mercy!” (Full House fans — you’re welcome.)

There comes a time when we have to wave the white flag and surrender. We have to surrender to the fact that we just can’t do it all.

We are currently dabbling at having some hired help for cleaning so that we can focus in on family and not get bogged down (and crabby) about other tasks that just shouldn’t matter in this season of our lives.

Case in point, I wouldn’t be able to write or shower quite frankly if not for this seeming indulgence.

As the mom of two bigs and two little littles, I know how quickly time passes and I don’t want to miss a thing.

HAVE MERCY!!

Project psssst…

I didn’t even know the word ‘dry shampoo’ when a can of ‘psssst’ found its way into my bathroom cabinet. Perhaps it was a slight misstep in name as it conjures up images of muppets in trench coats asking if I want to buy the letter ‘b’. Nevertheless it is a brand name that is still in my mind over 20 years later.

I think we all make slight missteps in how we brand ourselves in this world where self-promotion through social media allows us to manipulate perception through posts and pics of our very best days.

I am not defined by my depression. It is not my brand. It is just part of my journey. I get to hone in on what really matters in my life because my body throws up cues and warning signals when I misstep. I think rather than an attitude of woe is me perhaps that is a reason to be thankful.

Project ‘the Code’

My husband has a gadget that he can hook up and instantaneously know the issue of our car.

Oh! If only! If only we could hook ourselves up and have a doodad throw the code of whatever ails us.

I feel like my body and mind do give me cues on when things are going awry. But, I have to be paying attention. It is very easy in the hustle and bustle of life to ignore the signs and push through.

When all else fails, I take the time to stop and self-diagnose. Usually, the problem is as simple as going back to the basics of my non-negotiable (which sometimes become negotiable–therein lies the problem) and taking the next right step back to me being me.

Today’s next step is to stop and pay attention. Depression ain’t no friend of mine.

Project Lipstick

So it turns out it is national lipstick day! Who knew? So I slapped on some lipstick. Why not?

For me lipstick is synonymous with girl power. This may have something to do with:

A) I am a Mary Kay cosmetics rep and Mary Kay the woman and the company are all about girl power!

B) I fully believe in the idea of giving yourself a little pick me up with something as simple as applying a touch of makeup.

Can we take this idea a little further? What if lipstick could represent the idea of caring for the here and now? Embracing the situation we are in and putting our best foot/face/effort forward?

If we are always looking ahead, then we will miss the extravagant gift of the here and now. If we are saving our best selves for the future then I am afraid we will be sadly disappointed.

I promise that if you fail to appreciate the now you will never be happy in the days ahead. Food for thought. Now go thee therefore and apply some lipstick!

Project sink or swim

I think sometimes I try to make life feel too safe, too predictable. Control freak anyone??

Let’s say for example I was a young Saint Bernard … and let’s imagine for a second that there was a flock of geese… and a body of water…. and a fun friend to accompany me… I didn’t know I was designed to swim until I dove in and just did it. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Some things are just plain worth the risk. Knowing people… worth the risk. Trying something new … worth the risk. Being myself… worth the risk.

So get out there people! Get out there like your flock of geese is just waiting for you!

P.S. today’s post is brought to you courtesy of disgustingly smelly community retention ponds, geese, the number 4 and the letter f … just because.

Project Tantrum

I may be writing this post from under my bed sheets. When adulthood comes a knocking; my inner child may or may not throw a hissy fit.

The reality is, I am an adult and as such have adult responsibilities. I am not talking about the day in and day out things of life but the sucky adult stuff like … I don’t know… applying for extended health care coverage or making RRSP contributions. Barf!

These are the things that make my anxiety levels skyrocket and my decision making ability goes ‘byeeeeee!!’ Then, because depression is a liar… my self worth comes under fire. It is a vicious cycle.

It is very easy to revert back to a tween in my coping … or lack thereof. To quote Chris Evans aka Captain America “I don’t wike it.”

Project Wag the dog

I believe I can extrapolate enough evidence to prove definitively that… I. AM. NOT. IN. CHARGE. Case in point, Iris Bernard Campbell decided to chase a squirrel on today’s walk…. I almost bit it. (no, I did not eat squirrel… although I hear it tastes like chicken….)

I don’t have control over a lot of things, but I do have control over my thoughts. I wage battle daily against the trap of despair, defeat, and comparison. Who’s walking who?

Today, I am firmly grounded in truth. Tomorrow, I will wage war again.

its-all-in-your-mind-control-this-and-you-will-13922545

Project Step it up

Today’s blog is brought to you courtesy of goose poop.  (yes… I planned my blog on today’s morning walk… ) Canada Geese and goose poop are part of my daily norm.

I need to reference Crystal Thompson again @flourishintoyou -www.flourishintoyou.com as her wisdom seems to be a common thread underlying my bursts of inspiration.  Her and Matthew McConaughey.  I listened to the speech below this morning on ‘happiness.’  Take a listen and then think about your next right step in your daily battle.

Let’s hope we all avoid ‘stepping in it’ today.

 

Project Input Output

Should I be concerned for my character if the person I spend the most time with is under 2 years of age? You know that expression ‘you become like the 5 people you spend time with?’ So if you see an increase in curiosity and exuberance I guess blame it on the baby…??

As someone who does not possess infinite amounts of energy I try and be discerning about the who and how of my time. That combined with a short attention span *squirrel!!* make it so that each day I filter out more and more and focus on the better.

Just as I am careful about how I nourish my body with food (please do not read this to mean ‘diet’) I also strive to feed my mind and soul with the ‘better.’

I am in the process of cultivating a better morning and evening routine so that: a) I get enough sleep b) I don’t waste time with mindless netflicks or social media c) I am able to daily face what comes my way because I have spent time intentionally with the One who matters most.

How could we all do a bit better in the how and who of our days? Who are your top 5 people? How do they impact your character? If you needed to recharge what is your go to?