I published this list of ideas on how to be good to yourself back in February when I celebrated "Pamper Your Inner Child Day." But I thought it was appropriate to revisit some of these ideas that come from Beliefnet's holistic editor, Valerie Reiss, or to encourage you to make up your own:
1. bathe in fragrant water
2. drink water
3. stretch the upper back
4. call a friend
5. go for a walk
6. list three things you love about yourself
7. list three things you love about the world
8. doodle
9. write three pages in a journal
10. knit something easy
11. bake
12. make soup
13. take 10 slow even breaths
14. meditate or pray for 10 minutes
15. make a list of 3 things you're looking forward to
16. make a list of 3 reasons why you are needed here
17. give something to someone
18. call a sick/pregnant/overwhelmed friend and offer help
19. make and drink a cup of tea
20. water the plants
21. read a favorite author
22. look through old photos
23. make a collage
24. buy a new outfit
25. get a haircut
To read more Beyond Blue, go to www.beliefnet.com/beyondblue, and to get to Group Beyond Blue, a support group at Beliefnet Community, click here.
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I absolutely love the list. I emailed it to all of my women friends because, as you know, women tend to forget about doing "little things" for themselves. I printed a copy for myself so that I can refer to it often. This website has become a place that I visit regularly. The information gathered here is invaluable. What an inspiration!
I was having a "bad" day so I wrote a list of 14 affirmations I believe to be true about myself. I called it my "scream back" list to the nasty little voices in my head. It DID help! I should tape that one to the refrigerator door. (To be consulted as neccessary) I'd invite anyone to try that one.
When my older son was little, he would have to stay at my Mom's for weeks at a time so that I work extra catering events during the busy season without having to pay more for child care, which was a crushing $542 per month before overtime (back in the early 90's). I think he was probably 4 years old before he ever saw me on Mother's Day, because I was always working.
I always worried that he would forget me, or that he would have separation anxiety. I was convinced that his development would be hindered without me being there personally, but as a single parent, I didn't have a lot of choices. He's now eleven years old, makes good grades, is active in scouting, and hugs me all the time. He understands the sacrifices that sometimes have ti be made for the greater good.
You are doing your best and I'll bet the grandmas are loving getting to spend so much time with your little one. I know it's probably breaking your heart, but rest assured that your baby is getting the love she needs. It's a genetic instinct to want your baby close by when they are small, and it's a shame that our society makes that impossible sometimes. Hang in there.
Blessings to you!
get or give a massage
wow! i love the list! some of my soothing activities including washing my hand with sweet smelling soap and lotion, making healthy, delicious salads with my favorite chef knife, and, of course, driving my rc boats around on the pond (not very feminine, i know, but a great excuse to be out in nature!) thanks for posting this list!
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