Why, I wonder is it such a dirty little secret if we nurture our beings? You know the little twinge of guilt you feel telling your husband or wife you did something nurturing. I typically choose one type of activity that nurtures me like massage therapy, or lately my choice is Reiki therapy. Whatever it is, somehow I always feel slightly guilty and non deserving of basking my body and spirit in something which renews me. Sounds a bit crazy even as I type these words.
Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way says it this way:
"Any little bit of experimenting in self-nurturance is very frightening for most of us."
Well, whether or not it is in fact a frightening prospect, if you are a family member living with another's mental illness, it is required activity. The option of not "tending to the self" can lead to serious conditions for you. Burnout is one thing that can happen. You see, despite the pain of healing from mental illness, you too have revovering and healing in different ways. That healing requires energy and nurturance.
Are you up for the "self care" challenge?
And so the challenge for this week is for you to pick something to nurture your soul. Think about what you enjoy - bubble baths, golf, antiquing, visiting friends or having tea with yourself. Whatever it is just schedule it and go do it. Put the activity in your planner, make arrangements for someone to join you if you like, and go!
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