Keeping up self-care

“Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.”  Stephen Covey

This week’s conversation is about keeping up self-care and the timing for this subject, for me, could not have been more planned or necessary!

Last week, I took the week off to take advantage of my husband’s conference in sunny Cairns.  The weather and the seafood were both great and delicious.  Self-care was at its finest; I walked each day (both by choice and because we did not have transport available).  I stopped at smelt the roses and visited places, such as art galleries and the aquarium (which lends itself to the gazing ball project).   I took time for myself and had a facial, read a book or two and generally had a great time.

Today, reality hit.

It was very cold this morning and I realised that my time is no longer my own.  I have clients booked in, duties to perform after the workday is ended, such as preparing dinner.  I will not be walking to find a restaurant, nor walking home from said dinner that was prepared by the Chef.  I am now on my own.

It is too cold to go for that walk that I really desperately need, it is too dark (either in the morning or after work).  Reading for pleasure is not marked in my diary either.  I have made enquiries into further facial treatments prior to the wedding in early August. 

So, I have made a huge decision – I will schedule time out of my work diary to allow myself to go for a walk during the day.  Making this a priority, prior to the workday starting or ending.  I will re-invest the time needed, just as I did when I first began mosaics.  Putting boundaries and structure into my resources, my time.  Making sure that I value and keep these appointments with myself, just as I do for others.  Trying to keep myself accountable. 

So, now to make some space for this in my diary.

How do you manage to factor in the self-care that you need and deserve?