Self care is so important, I know it, I say it, I even write about it. I fully believe that caring for ourselves is a must if we want to live a healthy, happy life and have the ability to cope with stresses that come our way. I also fully believe that in order to be there for others, for loved ones, and especially our children (even the fluffy ones), that self care has to be top priority.

Why is it that we can know this, intellectually it all clicks into place, yet somehow we find ourselves ignoring self care? We find a way to convince ourselves that we will be fine, we can wait, we will get around to self care after we have taken care of everything else on the list!

Then inevitably it doesn’t happen.

A few days ago I wrote about how I was worried I was loosing my spark, and to be honest, even though I am in a better place than I was early in the week, I still feel a dark cloud overhead. The difference is, I have taken the time to acknowledge it now, and actually listen to what my body is telling me.

If you haven’t read the previous post, feel free to take a read now by clicking HERE.

I attended art this week, art for me, and the wonderful women in my art group have become a highlight of my week. I never thought I had any artistic talent, and I am not claiming that I am producing fabulous artwork, but what I have discovered is that art is a wonderful way to tap into how I am feeling. I have always been comfortable putting my feelings into words, but art is a completely different medium where I can express myself through various materials and when you drop the pressure of trying to perfect at something, and just allow yourself freedom of expression it is a very powerful way to discover more about yourself and your needs. And the bonus is, it is lots of fun.

There are days I walk into class, my mind racing, thoughts ruminating and as I pull out the paint brush, or whatever art material I choose to play with, I suddenly loose myself. I find it a truly mindful experience and even days like today where my whole body is physically aching, I felt the pain drift away as I lost myself in acrylic paints.

The other thing I finally did was book in that Osteopath appointment to help relieve my current back pain. A few days ago when I wrote my previous post I was feeling low, and although I am not suddenly on top of the world, I have managed to listen to myself and make some positive steps to feeling better.

Life is no doubt complicated, but sometimes we really don’t help ourselves. We ignore the signs, we push through, and we never want to appear weak! The truth is, that it takes strength and courage to stand up and say “I am not ok today” and it takes self discipline to do something about it. Life is like an intricate web, there is so much that goes into everyday and we are complicated beings, but we also tend to overcomplicate and overthink things. Somedays we just need to slow down and listen to what our own mind and body is telling us.

For me this week, that has been getting back to my art, doing something to help my physical pains and making sure I make some time for me. I still haven’t gotten to the hairdresser and there are many other things I would like to do, but that is OK, for now what I have achieved is enough. Sometimes we just need to take baby steps. There are days where we have the strength to tackle the big stuff and days where simply getting through the day is the big stuff!

Have you done anything nice for yourself this week? Any self care planned for the weekend? If not, why not listen to your body and see if you can schedule in a little self care?

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts, love Mackenzie xx

3 Little Buttons
Musings Of A Tired Mummy