I’m not sure how many of you will read this today between finishing Halloween costumes, classroom parties, and trick-or-treating. Self-care may be limited to gobbling up candy from your child’s goodie bag. At least, that’s what I used to do.
It’s another reason we’ve designated Tuesday, Nov.1 as the start of self-care month, a chance for you to nourish yourself body-mind-heart and spirit. For this first week, reflect on what you do currently for self-care whether it’s healthy eating, exercise, prayer/meditation or visiting with friends. Notice how much time you devote to self-care and how you feel when you do.
What does your body feel like? What kind of thoughts do you have? How positive or negative are they? What thoughts and feelings do you have about yourself? How do you relate to others? How connected do you feel to your spirit/soul?
Then notice how you feel when you doggedly pursue your “to-do list” without stopping to refill your emotional pitcher. As we say in “Life Will Never Be the Same,” no woman is a bottomless pitcher and you can’t feel good when your pitcher is dry. It won’t happen no matter how hard you try.
Finally, notice the differences when you do and don’t practice self-care. Don’t make any changes, just be aware. If you have a journal, write them down.
Now, your incentive. If you go to www.facebook.com/livingselfcare and enter a comment on this week’s assignment, you’ll be entered in a random drawing for Godiva chocolates. Happy Halloween!
drdianesanford.com 
Remembering to breathe and looking forward to doing something really big for myself in the month of November, like writing 1700 words a day on http://www.nanowrimo.org/
Hi Kari. Remembering to breathe is always good and so easy to forget. What are u writing about? Love the idea of a national novel writing month. Most of us have a book we’re longing to write. Who else has thought about this and what would you like it to say?
About 10 days ago I started drinking a half gallon of water or more each day. Last week I came down w a cold but I swear itches the water that kept me energized and on my feet. I recovered quickly and feel terrific. I did fall under my half gallon mark on both Saturday and Sunday (and became sluggish and parched and had tremendous cravings and mood swings) and it took till this afternoon before I started feeling properly hydrated and balanced again. I’ve learned my lesson!!! waterWaterWATER!!!!!!!! It’s free! It’s plentiful! It’s energizing! And balancing! And did I mention free?!?!?
*…I swear it WAS the water….*. Not “itches!!!” Autocorrect!!!!
I totally agree w/you about how good water is for us! So many women don’t stay well-hydrated and end up feeling run down and sluggish. I talk to my clients and friends all the time about drinking more water. It helps us stay balanced and like you said, the best thing is-it’s free. Thanks, Jen.