I Fail Daily: Self-Care Rx

If I were inclined to judge (wink, wink), I might observe some weeks as better than others.

This week, for instance, might be considered a bad week.

 I have totaled my car (run-ins with a bolting stag has that effect), mourned the passing of a dear relative (damn Cancer), juggled financial panic with sadness over a parent’s worrisome dance with Alzheimer’s, and failed to lose as much weight as planned on a new supervised health program.

Sigh.

And while I do my dance with non-judgment and watch for a sliver of understanding drawn from some tiny slice of acceptance, I am vividly aware of the physical and emotional toll the week has delivered to my doorstep.

It is safe to say I am not alone.

It has been a year of worldwide stresses, strains, and in over three million instances – death.

A little self-care does not seem out of place to me. So, here is my plan for the weekend ahead:

1. Exercise. Walking is my thing these days. I have mapped out a few 3-5 miles routes through and around town. New Balance has provided the shoes, I have a new book I am listening to, and I plan on drinking in the out-of-doors.

2. Food. I am doing a vegan thing right now (loving it), so heavy on the veggies, and maybe I will experiment with a tofu recipe or two.

3. Movies.  Shoot me if I must sit through another Netflix feature on my sofa. Our little independent movie house has reopened in town (replete with new Covid-smart procedures), and I have a ticket for Saturday evening!

4. Connections. I have scheduled Phone, FaceTime, and Zoom calls with friends. Technology allows me to spend time with those I am closest to, no matter where in the world we find ourselves.

5. Pamper. A new mud-mask product arrived earlier this week, and I plan on testing it out. It may rain on Sunday, so I may wander out and get a mani-pedi, too.

6. Mindset. Nothing on this list is revolutionary. But what makes the difference is mindset. Being present-moment aware and clear that I am caring for myself heightens each experience and deepens its impact.  I am calling that super-charged self-care.

I hope you will join me, caring for yourself this weekend and, by extension, caring for the world around you.

Peace.

The post I Fail Daily: Self-Care Rx first appeared on James Swan Coaching.

James Swan Certified Professional Coach

With over 20 years as a small business owner, entrepreneur, award-winning author, and marketing consultant Jim brings his experience as a survivor of success and failure to the world of business coaching and consulting.

As a Certified Professional Coach, he turned years of business experiences, personal values, and a belief in the power of transformative energy into a laser-focused professional objective; to support small and medium-sized business owners as they expand into their highest and best selves.
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology and music from Southwestern University and studies in Arizona State University's Architecture and Design master's degree program, he now includes Certified Coach in his educational accomplishments.

He is a past member of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, serving on its Executive Board of Directors. Other commitments include PAWS/LA, which assists with the care of pets for people living with disabilities, and KidSmart, an art education foundation for inner-city youth. Currently, he lives and works from his home on the Maine coast.