Gather
Last Friday I took myself on a date to a little village called Lucketts, about an hour away from home. I went alone. I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by all aspects of my life: work, home, personal. I was approaching the end of registration for the class I am currently teaching and I had gotten myself into a frantic state of constantly refreshing my email and lashing out at my family because I was so wound up about people registering. I also had an important phone call to make that I had been putting off for days because I just didn't have the energy to deal and engage.
I went to a bunch of antique and garden shops out there in Lucketts. I strolled, admired, and moseyed my way around. In each store I went in I saw some version of this "gather" handlettering. It reminded me of fall holidays and being together with people you love. I came home and created my own version of it for you.
When I got in the car to head home I felt secure enough to make the tough phone call and, lo and behold, a student signed up for class while I was on my self-care date.
So here's what I pose to you this week. Two things:
Is there a word that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside? Use it as a mantra, make a handlettering, print it out from pinterest. Something so small can help us shift out of a rut.
Where can you take yourself on a self-care date? Oh no Rachel, you may be saying, you don't understand; I work long hours or I'm a stay at home mom/dad, there's just no way. There is a way. Can you miss one softball game this fall while your partner single parents for a morning? Can you ask the 8th grade neighbor to come over while you take a walk or get to the coffee shop? You are worth it. Your mind and soul need you to give them a little break.