Today I looped a yellow band around the bathroom doorknob and did some exercises. It wasn’t a lot. Just ten reps each. But it’s a start.
I’ve never enjoyed working out. And I’ve never stuck with it. But this feels different. Even these few moves three days a week are steps in the right direction.
From couch days -> steady days. That’s the goal.
I’ve neglected myself, pushing my needs down while trying to meet the needs of others. As women, we all do this to a certain extent, often to our detriment. I realize now that I mostly gave myself the bare minimum: food, shelter, and clothing.
Because the bare minimum was what I was used to receiving. Because that’s all I felt worthy of.
But now I’m learning to nurture myself and meet some of those unmet needs. I’m learning to be the person I needed when I was younger. That includes digging into my past and doing what it takes to heal.
Self-Care also involves listening to my body and giving it what it needs. This body that gave life to three babies. This body that has carried me all my days. This body that allows me to make art, dance, and embrace my loved ones.
I’ve neglected this body, and it has been giving me signals that it needed more support.
I’ve finally begun to listen.
My body needs fuel — not the junk I’ve lived on for years. My body needs movement — not hardcore workouts I won’t keep up, but gentle, consistent moves that build stamina and steady strength.
My body needs rest. I’m learning to give myself recovery time between activities and not feel guilty about it. To be okay with where I’m at on any given day.
Some days I have more energy than others. I’m learning to work with it instead of fighting it. Because when I don’t pay attention and try to push through, my body lets me know by sitting me down.
Back on the couch again.
Self-Care also means seeing my doctors regularly and keeping up with my meds. I used to skip appointments and miss doses. I know now I wasn’t doing myself any favors.
Self-Care includes boundaries and prioritizing relationships that help me flourish and thrive.
Self-Care is also about pursuing my passions and making space to be creative.
Lastly, Self-Care means caring for the eternal part of me — my soul. Strengthening my relationship with the Lord improves every area of my life.
Steady Self-Care. Steady Life.