Self-care is Self-Love
Today our Rare Family Dynamics session included a coed group for the first time! It was wonderful to have a couple of the men who attended the very first Men's Retreat (which was held at the Barrett Family Ranch) in attendance.
Our topic for the day was self-care. We asked, "What am I already doing to take care of myself?" When you acknowledge what you are already doing, it gives you the energy to take your next step.
A list of self-care practices
Meditation
Taking walks
Attending ANGEL AID😇's support groups twice a week
Deep breathing
Doing art
Dancing
Listening to music
Listening to audiobooks and podcasts
Popping in an AirPod while I'm playing with my rare child
Exercising for 20 minutes
Coloring books
Going outside for sunshine breaks
Gardening
Taking baths and saunas
I'm eating healthfully
Learning to say no to doing more
Please feel free to use any of the above suggestions and even print them out and post them on your fridge. It's good to have reminders.
Are you internally or externally located? Where is your attention at any given moment, it takes a lot to pay attention to yourself. It actually asks you to be intentional.
Set timers
It can be easy to have tunnel vision when you sit in front of your computer for eight hours without drinking water, taking a stretch break, going outside or even eating. Are you someone who tends to forget about your body and just sits there drinking 4 cups of coffee and two glasses of water? This is not sustainable.
So, set timers every hour on the hour as a reminder that tells you it's time to turn your attention inside and become internally located.
Dancing timers
You might even set a timer with music that you like to dance to so that when it goes off you get up and move your body for a minute. Remember taking care of yourself is super important. You can't take care of anyone else if you are exhausted.
And what if you build your own self-care into any project you do? How would that change the way that you approach your work-life balance?
Interrupt the inner critic
Interrupting the inner critic is a form of self-care. Notice when you were telling yourself, you're not good enough and pause. Take a moment, place your hand on your heart, and sense into the wise elder that lives within you. What would they say to your younger self? Your wise self would be kind, appreciative, encouraging, and acknowledging.
We'd love to hear from you about your experience and how self-care practices change your life when you engage with them consistently.
Coming Up This Week: Permission to Feel
On your journey as a Raregiver™, you will eventually grapple with how to deal with the end of your beloved child’s life. This may involve grieving while still caring for your rare child. This experience is called anticipatory grief and can last for several years. Your feelings make sense. In this session, you will learn new ways to give yourself permission to feel. Expand your ability to be compassionate with yourself and practice forgiveness. Come share them with others who understand.
Join Us
You belong here. Come as you are. Your presence is a contribution.
Zoom Link: Click Here
We look forward to being with you.
