Mindful March: Work, Rest, and Healing
March 11, 2019 |
| Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash |
I’ve been playing with my theme of mindfulness these past 10
days—doing simple things like turning off the radio while I drive so I can hear
myself think, pausing between tasks to take a breath and notice my
surroundings, etc. A sub-theme has
appeared: listening*.
What I’m hearing, especially from my body, is that I need to
take better care of myself. In addition to the pulled muscles from the fall
from Tank, I’ve been dealing with severe tendonitis in my right (dominant)
wrist and forearm. My preferred method of self-care, ignoring discomfort and
pain and hoping it goes away, isn’t working. I’m also due for some routine
checkups at various healthcare practitioners’ offices. The pain I’ve been
having has impacted my exercise habits, which is a problem in itself. It’s time
to reevaluate how I take care of my physical health, and devote a little more
time and attention to it.
After a season of hard work preparing for my trip to France,
and a season of turmoil, stress, and change following my dad’s death and moving
Tank, I find I need extra time to care for my body, mind, and heart. I need
renewal, nourishing, and to cut myself some slack. I do want to keep building
my freelance business, and I have new projects I’m excited to work on, both professionally
and personally. But at the same time, I’m trying to be better at responding
when my mind cries “enough!” and my body stiffens from sitting at my desk and
begs for some movement.
I know I’m lucky to have the flexibility I have—it’s much
easier for me to move things around to get the healing and rejuvenation I need
than it is for those who work full time for someone else, or who have small
children at home. I’ve been in those situations, and I’m grateful for my
current life stage…even if it is a bit challenging physically.
I also know that some of the crazy mind pressure I feel is
coming from me and no one else. I know it’s important to set and reach goals,
and not to waste hour after hour of precious time, but that constant, driving
voice that remains impossible to please…that voice needs to stop.
And that’s what mindfulness has revealed so far this month!
How do you find balance when you need to work, but you also
need rest and rejuvenation?
*I’ll be writing more about listening in March’s Happy Little
Thoughts newsletter, a once-a-month email in which I share unique content, favorite
recent reads, and other happy little things—click here to subscribe.
In other news:
One of my favorite freelance articles ever has just
been printed: “An American Quarter Horse in France” (click on the title to read the article). Monica and Bandit’s story
is delightful—I hope you’ll check it out!
6 comments
Ah Kathy taking care of yourself is an unselfish act because if we don't do this we cannot take good care of others. I am glad to read you are not going to ignore your pain...sometimes it is a good indicator that something needs checking out. Take care. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point, too, Debbie. If I run myself completely in to the ground, I won't be of use to anyone, least of all myself.
DeleteI agree with Debbie. And congratulations on getting your story published. It’s a delightful story.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cheryl!
DeleteKathy, I totally get your realization about switiching to mindfulness and focus on self care. I've been using the bullet journaling idea (BoHo Berry for example) as a means to focus on intentional, healthy living. I've had tendinitis from injuries, in both wrists. PT helped a lot,with exercises, & with getting guidance through the healing. What I learned is that it totally heals with care! I will read your story.
ReplyDeleteRita--good use of bullet journaling! It's encouraging to hear your tendinitis improved. I've had it so long, I'm beginning to think it will never get better. Since it's in my dominant hand, it's all but impossible to give it rest.
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