Mbali's Throw Me a Bone post on our forum inspired me to make our cause of the month for October
YOU. Yes, you read that right.
YOU are our featured cause and October is now officially declared Self Care Month at 29 Gifts.
So this month, pay attention to YOURSELF. Give to YOURSELF. Love YOURSELF.
You can continue your giving to others, but I myself have fallen into a pattern of overgiving the past two months, which has left me feeling drained, angry and resentful--not the ideal energy to be giving from. So I'm going to make a mindful effort to give something to myself each day this cycle.
Here are 29 suggestions for ways to practice self care.
Please feel free to add comments to this string and make suggestions of your own.
1. Meditate daily (If you want to meditate with a group, check out the
events tab. We've got two meditation telecourses starting in October--Meditation for Health and Healing and Meditation for the Entrepreneurial Spirit).
2. Pray daily.
3. Take a nice, long leisurely walk.
4. Enjoy a bubble bath.
5. Talk to yourself -- but say NICE things.
6. Write yourself a love poem.
7. Take a day--or even a few hours one day--off work.
8. Read a good book or two. (I highly recommend the
29 Gifts book :-)
9. Go on a bike ride.
10. Take a hike.
11. Go to the park and swing on the swings.
12. Cook yourself a yummy meal.
13. Let yourself off the hook if you make a mistake.
14. Write in your journal (or blog).
15. Light a candle and just sit and watch the flame.
16. Take some fun photos and make a collage.
17. Do something for yourself that you've been procrastinating.
18. Sit and BREATHE for five minutes a day.
19. Take a nap.
20. Dance in your living room to your favorite song.
21. Draw or paint a picture.
22. Write a story.
23. Throw yourself a party -- just because you deserve one.
24. Call a good friend and ask for support.
25. Spend some time in nature.
26. Sit quietly and let yourself rest.
27. Buy that little something you've been longing for and enjoy it.
28. Bring some fresh flowers into your house.
29. Kiss or hug someone you love.