We all need reminders

Time is very distorted, isn't it?  During the past few years, it seems even more so, and I'm not honestly sure whether it's because of the pandemic, because I'm getting older, or because I have a little one who is growing so fast! 🕰 

In the process of looking at a kitchen sink full of dishes, (trying to make a quick calculation of whether I could “afford” the time to wash them now or whether I needed to tend to a more time-sensitive task before my back-to-back appointments started for the day), I realized again the persistent habit of demanding every minute be “productive.”

I often eat lunch a few bites at a time between appointments, rehearse for speaking engagements during my limited time alone in the car, and, if I fit in my “daily” yoga, it is becoming shorter and shorter in length. Most nights, my meditation starts as I am falling asleep and, because I’m so exhausted, it doesn’t last long! At the same time, my to-do list never seems to shorten, and I feel further and further behind, even on tasks and projects that are important to me.

Today, in particular, my time is distorted by a winter storm that cancelled school and led to walking my daughter to her grandmother’s at 7:45 a.m. That was actually a gift, as it required me to take my first walk in weeks (despite it being one of my favorite activities!) In the process, I got to enjoy the fresh snow coating the tree branches, the shriek and knock of a woodpecker, and my daughter’s gleeful giggles as she sled down the hill toward grandma.

Even as someone who focuses on the importance of wellbeing for impactful and sustainable work, I still benefit from prompts to allow time and space for joy, creativity, and relaxation!

How are you doing with incorporating these moments into your life?

Thankfully, this also reminds me to share a podcast with you that I've been unintentionally delaying about caring for self (in the deepest sense) as an imperative for social justice.  

It was recorded last spring, shortly after I'd learned of my father's rapidly declining health.  Obviously, I didn't feel my best.  (Maybe that's why even though I received notice of the release late last year, I neglected to share it until now!) 🤷‍♀️

However, since we are rarely at our "best" and my main focus is how imperative it is to tend to your wellbeing so you can be responsive to your needs, recover, and continue to move forward in your efforts to support social justice, it's only fair to show all sides of the process, right?  No one is perfect, and we can all benefit from reminders. 😊

Click HERE to listen to the interview on Caring for Self as a Social Justice Imperative.  

The host of the Therapy Chat podcast, Laura Reagan, has hosted many impressive guests and conversations, and you’ll gain a lot from browsing her other episodes as well!

My hope for you is that this will encourage you to tend gently to yourself as you navigate all any and all ongoing challenges, stresses, and setbacks.   

You matter.  You can make a difference.  And, I'm so thankful you're here.