I have had a rough week but started thinking of how rarely i think about myself or do anything for myself.
The reason I started thinking about this was my sister was here last week and I noticed how put together she was. Up to date clothes, haircut, nails, pedicure, nice jewelry... as opposed to me who had gray roots showing, hair pulled back, nails and toenails just whacked off, no makeup, old worn clothes... etc.
I have always (even before my caregiving crisis) had a hard time taking care of myself and spending any money on myself. I have a theory that other caregiver type personalities are also that way.
Anyway I set up some reminders on my iphone to do at least 2 things for myself every week (most likely i will do the declutter thing every week if i can). Some on the list can range from very small to larger things. Some cost money.. but you can also do things that might boost your mood a little without spending money.. or a lot of money. I have a decent job so I can afford to splurge a little.. right now anyway.
Here is my list:
Get a Haircut
Manicure/pedicure
Buy flowers - plant or cut flowers
get car detailed
arrange for professional house cleaning (one time or ongoing)
declutter something (closet/drawers)
upgrade/replace an item in wardrobe
upgrade/replace a home item (kitchen/bathroom)
arrange a weekend getaway or vacation
get dental, eye checkups
This challenge will be VERY hard for me.. but I thought i would post it to help me follow through. Anyone want to join me?
Dad watches the news from 4-7 pm so when it starts I sit out on the patio and admire my gardens with an adult beverage.
love america but the old world gives you body rushes that seem to span centuries..
Hope everyone is at least thinking about doing something just for themselves! This is a difficult week for me as my parents are staying with me this week and I'm taking both to different dr.'s appointments. Just having them here really takes the focus off me and onto them... but I am STILL going to try to focus back on myself (even just a little).
I did do some decluttering .... got one drawer done and still working on my bedroom closet. Closet is a huge job. I also ordered a couple of new shirts. I went to Lowes and looked at flowers but haven't purchased any yet. There were some beautiful pink hibiscous there and I am planning to go back and get a couple to put on my patio table outside.. I can open the window and see them througout the house.
Vegaslady, I actually am a member at flylady and you have reminded me to go back there for my decluttering support!. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and don't know where to even start. I like the idea of just doing 15 minutes a day... I can always handle 15 minutes and it doesn't seem so overwhelming.
Thanks for all the great responses! Lets keep reminding ourselves that we count too. Seems like it is so easy for me to forget about my own needs.
Have a good day all!
I have rediscovered physical exercise and how good it feels for me both physically and mentally. I took a walk this afternoon, just to keep it going. I was going to buy a pool pass to our local pool, but they were closed. :( At least I got a good walk in. I need to lose another 50 lbs (I'm down 10 so far). So I encourage all of you to find some physical outlet if you feel that would help you. It really helps me burn off extra energy/frustration/anger. Which I need. :)
The digital photography and computer work was the toughest for me. I really like photography now.
It is a wonder I have any self-confidence at all. I'm actually expecting a barrage of hostility from my mother who does not like me to be successful at anything. With her, when I win, I fail. I can understand the confusion of my earlier years now.
So, what I did for myself was to stick out a course with a phenomenal drop out rate, and I'm graduating in June.
Anyway unfortunately my hair is still grey and growing out...so no headway there. I did manage to begin decluttering my closets though. My goal is to get my house in good enough shape to get a professional housecleaning once a week or so..i have to clean enough to get my house cleaned...lol.
Watching old movies sounds relaxing whitney! Congrats Sharynmarie for cleaning a closet!
Enjoy your day Ashlynne..heavenly solitude!
I worked for 10+ years at the Salon I go to before I had to quit to care for Mom so I have hair maintence drilled in my head!!
Today I'll try to get the house in some sort of order (undergoing renovations), play with my dogs, do laundry, some gardening and just drink in the heavenly solitude and peace and quiet out here in the country.
what have i done for me ? tightened up my neglected business equiptment for 9 months .. mom appeared to me in a dream . she said , i left you a few bucks d*ckhole , get that machinery working . get the short bus running , i like it , lol ..