Welcome to Day 1 of the self-care challenge/contest. We’re glad you’re here. Our theme for the week will be expressing gratitude and thankfulness for all the aspects of our lives which enrich and nourish us.
To get started, choose a coin or personal item which will be your gratitude token for the week. Place it on your bedroom dresser or nightstand and when you wake up in the morning, think of 3 things you are grateful for and then place your token in your pocket or purse to carry with you. In the evening before you go to bed, think of 3 different things you are grateful for and then place your token back on your nightstand/dresser. Do this daily, expanding your list to include as many sources of thankfulness as you can.
If you’d prefer an online version of this activity, go to twitter and each morning list 3 things you’re thankful for and again in the evening with the hashtag #listof3 or on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/livingselfcare.
Sometimes, it helps to see what others are saying especially on the days when
your emotional pitcher is empty. It doesn’t have to be original for it to be meaningful and seeing others’ gratitude may help lift your spirit.
Tonight at 8:30pm EST join us on #ppdchat for “Self-Care, Gratitude, and Easing Holiday Stress.” Also, listen to our podcast about “Living the Self-Care Challenge” at http://ow.ly/7hkKZ with @mamasonbedrest. Let’s have a great week supporting each other in living self-care. Our holiday gift to you!
drdianesanford.com 
Last week I realized I had been taking care of everyone but me for three straight weeks. One of the things I do that compromises my self-care is running around town, errands, etc. The other is over-commiting. In an effort to care for myself, I resigned from a volunteer position and spent three entire days in my home (except for school drop-off and pick-up). I watched funny movies, spent leisurely time with my baby and took baths. I blogged about it here: http://www.beyondpostpartumblog.com/2011/11/today.html
I am so grateful that I have learned that I can’t care for anyone if I don’t take care of myself.
Congratulations to you! Self-care is so hard and yet so critical to our health and well-being. I recommend that everyone look at your post and engrave ths words on their foreheads “I can’t take care of anyone if you don’t take care of myself.” Will you be joining us 2night at #ppdchat?
I usually participate at 1pm since I am an early bird. 🙂 Thanks for your support and for helping moms realize self-care is not selfish.
I was an early bird when my daughters were young. I hope I haven’t stressed Lauren too much with starting the challenge today. I couldn’t be doing this without her. I am so grateful she’s on board.
I love the #listof3. I find it has me looking for things I am grateful for!
It’s great to have little reminders of what to keep in mind. In case you don’t know, Lauren Hale @unxpctdblessing started #listof3 a few weeks ago to help all of us focus on what we have to be thankfor for. I’m already thinking about my bedtime list. What’s on yours?
I love the idea of gratitude as self care. It’s so helpful in trying to reframe your day when things aren’t going all that well.
We do too! It’s hare to feel so attached to what’s wrong when you’re considering what you’re thankful for. Not easy but effective. Glad 2 meet u 2night.