Self-Care Friends and Foes

I'm not big on meds and therapy. I know, I know, I've heard all the things about how it can help. I'm sure it can. I'm sure in ways, it would help me. The thing is, I don't want to risk having to go through multiple therapists, numerous meds, and even more doses and combinations to get the "right" one. I've dabbled with therapy, and I wouldn't say I've had a good experience yet. So for now, I'm working on myself, and my self-love and self-care, and for the most part, it's been working. The way I see it, when I stop making progress, I'll need to change it up, and then maybe I'll look into it. But until then, I'm okay. 

I have been doing a lot of research on self-care. One of the hardest things I've learned is that self-care isn't what the masses think it is. It isn't shopping and mani/pedis. It isn't a face mask or a bubble bath. In fact, it's not necessarily anything physical at all. Self-care is simple and direct. It's raw, and it's hard. It's not about checking out and taking it easy. In fact, it A LOT work and consistent presence. It's knowing yourself the most, inside and out. 

Here's my list of the latest self-care actions I've displayed for myself: 

Self-care is quieting that hateful voice in your head and replacing it with a compliment instead. 

Self-care is not fixating on what you did wrong and remembering what you did right. 

Self-care is getting out of bed and taking a shower. 

Self- care is getting enough sleep. 

Self-care is saying no to going out with friends because you need to just veg on the couch and watch Netflix. 

Self- care is going for a walk in the park alone.

Self-care is advocating for yourself and your needs. 

Self-care is having boundaries. 

Self-care is learning how to communicate.

Self- care is remembering your multi-vitamin.

Self-care is drinking water, and eating a vegetable.

Self-care is allowing yourself to feel your feelings. 

Self-care is screaming into a pillow or alone in your car.

Self- care is crying it out in the shower. 

Self-care is singing at the top of your lungs.

Self-care is dancing in the rain.

Self-care is sitting in silence with yourself.

Self-care is journaling your feelings instead of binging. 

Self-care is being grateful every day.

Self-care is looking at your butt in the mirror (and liking it!).

Self-care is constant presence.

Self-care is meal prepping for yourself.

Self-care is giving yourself grace.

Self-care is giving permission to be imperfect. 

Self-care means it's okay to mess up. 

This is just a MINUSCULE list of things that I look for in my self-care. But as a basic, it's getting real with yourself. Asking what you need in that moment, and giving yourself the grace and permission to do/have it. It's setting your future self up for success. Learning what you need and how to communicate that is the biggest piece of the puzzle. Whether it be something you need from yourself or something you need help with, it's literally the key to success. 

Thank you all for reading, I really appreciate your time. 

Until next time,