Hello Ladies! I know it has been awhile, but I am still here!

What is Self Care?

Self care is taking time for you and only you. It is hitting a pause button to help you refuel yourself. It goes beyond the usual eating right and exercise. Yes, those two things are very important when taking care of your body, but self care focuses more on how to take care of your whole self. I found a little article on what self care is and what self care isn’t from Psych Central. Now that you know a little bit more about self care, let me explain to why I so needed a Self Care Sunday.

Life Lately

I am in the fourth full week of school and each day seems to be a whirl wind. Between two graduate classes starting in August, (yes, I graduated this past summer, but it was only a stepping stone.) teaching full time, adjusting to being a stepmom, and trying to get all of the normal day to day things accomplished my head is spinning. Sometimes I just get lost in the hustle and bustle and forget about what I need to truly keep myself above water. Please don’t take this as me complaining or fishing for sympathy. That’s not my goal. I know that many of you share my exhaustion and then some. That is why self care is so important.

The Weekends Go by so Fast

This past weekend, I really wanted a day to just to reconnect with nature and admire the beauty this world has to offer. Saturday was dedicated to the 9/11 stair climb in Green Bay and helping my sister move a hot tub.  The weekends go by so fast.  During the week, we create lists to catch up on all of the things we missed like laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc…. Can I get a “heck yes!” if this sounds like your life!
Friday and Saturday flew by and I still hadn’t had the chance to get outside. We do not have too many beautiful days left before winter hits. Sunday came and I woke up early against wanting to actually sleep in past 7. I was wide awake at 5:30 darn you internal clock! I laid in bed as long as I could, but the guilt of not getting my list accomplished crept up so quickly that I had to get out of bed and do something about it.
Finally, I got my day of house cleaning and laundry started. When Steve got up he helped me by doing the dishes and making us breakfast. Steve helped around the house for as long as he could until he needed to go help his friend get the boat ready for duck hunting. Before he left he asked if it was really okay for him to leave and help his friend. It was a little sad that he thought he needed my permission to go and do something he enjoys. I reassured him that it was more than okay. I had plans of getting out of the house too to go hike.

My Adventure

Before taking classes at Aerial Dance, I would have never thought to go do something I liked by myself. Most women are condition to be dependent on another to do something they enjoy. I wanted to go hiking at one of my favorite spots near Green Bay, so not only would I be hiking alone, I had to drive the 40 some minutes to do it too. The old Janelle would have stayed at home and pitied herself because she didn’t have anyone to go with. The new Janelle, who has learned about self confidence, self care, and being strong individual, went hiking! I even took it a step further by going to my favorite vineyard after. ALL BY MYSELF! Crazy?! I know!

While I was sitting at the vineyard, enjoying my glass of red, the woman who was working on the opposite end of the bar came over to me. She asked if I were waiting for someone or if I was there by myself. In my head, I was thinking, “Great, here we go with the judgment.” I replied that I was in fact there by myself to enjoy a glass or two wine after my hike. To my surprise the woman congratulated me for going out and doing things on my own. She informed me that she knew too many women who fear doing things by themselves. After the vineyard died down a bit she and I continued to talk. I shared with her my passion for the aerial arts and she shared with me her passion for design.

Do It!

I know that sounds like the Nike slogan, but it is true! I guess the moral of my blog this week is just get out there and do what you love! Life is never going to slow down. You cannot put off self care. Work hard this week to think about what it is you are going to do to work on self care.
This past weekend, I was beyond thankful for the Aerial Studio. The many women who walk through those doors have taught me to be the strong individual that I am today. I was also thankful for the beautiful weather, waterproof boots, and nature.

Until Next Time,
Janelle