Firelight Blessings: Self Care Routines?

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My neighbor walks every morning, regardless of the weather. On Sundays, she walks in the early afternoon. We saw her walking, so I ran out to give her something important that I had for her. The weather was perfect, no snow, no ice, very little wind. She was dressed for walking. I was not, I had on my clunky, but warm, barn boots, several layers of clothes and my regular glasses. We chatted for a short time, but she wanted to keep moving, so she invited me to walk with her. 

I pondered a moment, but agreed to walk with her. We laughed, and talked as we moved our feet. Let me tell you, she can walk fast, but she slowed down for me. I put her on the outside, as we followed the circle, in front of both of our homes around for a while. I suggested this, so she could move her feet more than I was moving mine. I wanted her to be able to move as fast as she normally does.

She kindly invited me to join her the next day. The problem for me, is that she walks earlier than I am ready to go. I have my daily routine, that does not yet include walking. HMMM. We compromised and met in the middle, but it was hard for both of us. I had not completed my morning routine. I hadn’t had my coffee, fed the dog or taken my vitamins, among other things! 

The next morning arrived. We had received a couple inches of beautiful snow overnight. The snow was lovely however, and I had on better boots, so I could actually walk, instead of clunking along. I remembered to put on my sunglasses, too, because I hoped that they would protect my face from the cold, which they did. It was a little slippery, but it was still a lovely walk. I could feel my muscles vibrating, which was a good feeling. I was so glad that I had been invited to join her.

When we finished our walk. She said, I need to continue my daily routine. Meaning, I have to start at my normal time. Waiting for me isn’t going to work for her. She also said that I am always welcome to join her at a particular time! 

I loved her honesty. I love that she put herself first and let me know in a kind way, that her day starts at a certain time. I believe that we will walk together again, most likely on Sunday afternoons, but what I learned from her, is that it is important to be honest about our personal needs and routines with ourselves and with others. I appreciate her, for loving herself as much as she does. I appreciate her, because she takes self care so seriously. She inspires me to do the same!

She has caused me to think about my current needs and routines. What do I need to add to my life to make sure I am taking care of my emotional and physical needs, as well as, my horses and dogs physical and emotional needs, too? Where can I carve out more time for self care and what should I do during that time? What do I need to start doing or shift, to make sure that I am meeting all of these needs and following healthy self care routines, that sustain us all, emotionally and physically?

Movement is important. During the summer I move more… Now that winter has set in, I am concerned that I will not move as often. I am cutting, splitting and stacking wood regularly. I am running up and down the stairs to do laundry, I am going out to the barn to help do chores, but I am not doing as many physical activities as I do during Spring, Summer and Fall. 

I know that it is in my best interest to keep up a movement practice. It always has been important, but as I age, I can see that it is even more important to develop a self care routine, that helps me to be stronger, more flexible and healthier, emotionally and physically.

As I ponder what my self care routine is going to be and what I will honestly commit to, during the winter months, what does self care look like for you?

Do you have a routine that you stick to, or are you flexible and fit it in whenever and wherever you can?

Who inspires you to take better care of yourself?

I am honestly looking for ideas to inspire me to start a movement, self care routine, that I will and can commit to, during these long winter months. Thank you for your time!

Manifest a magical day