Self-care was always a priority but it's easy to allow the rigors of life to disrupt our routines or prioritize other things in their place. I was determined to tackle that this year and explore new treatments too. I love being pampered but I've always desired a spa at home. A space that included a gym and tools for beautification. I'd rather have someone come to my home to do my hair than go to a salon and prefer doctors who make house calls. I have a lot of old fashioned sensibilities that influence my thoughts on this subject.
I'm an early riser and definitely in the 5 a.m. club. The first thing I do when I wake up is recite a Jewish prayer thanking God for the breath of life and banishing negative things that might have occurred while I slept. Oil pulling follows and I love it! It's wonderful for the teeth and gums and gets rid of harmful bacteria. Then I open the window, make the bed and have some water. I keep an insulated bottle beside me at all times. It's my primary beverage and replenishment is important after waking.
We used to drink coffee in the morning but we're getting away from that and moving it to the afternoon when our energy is lower. I didn't need the caffeine boost and prefer the benefits of water instead. I add trace mineral drops to restore what I'm lacking. But you can achieve the same with a pinch of celtic salt. My body is happiest when I take vitamins. I use an organic brand that's really good and notice the difference immediately.
I have breakfast a few times per week if I'm hungry and that's a marked improvement. I'd like to do it everyday but I listen to my body. I'm not a big smoothie fan but I love making them with young coconut water. I saw the brand I like recently at Costco and grabbed a pack. I guess we're having smoothies again which helps when I don't feel like cooking.
The biggest improvement thus far is the daily inspo. I don't look at anything before addressing my mindset and priming it for the day ahead. Some do the same with the bible or prayer. But that usually relaxes me or makes me tired if it's a heavy session. I prefer something motivational that encourages me to act or get things done. Then I look at my planner and the day unfolds.
One of the pleasures I adore is an uninterrupted toilette. It isn't hurried and the process is calming and an attunement of sorts. I started using castile soap a couple of years ago for my skin and did the same for dish and hand soap afterwards. I tweak them with essential oils, milk and other additions to make them more nourishing. All of the water is filtered. My skin is more sensitive now to the chrmicals. The greener we become the more I notice the difference. I make my own laundry and dishwasher detergent and room sprays too.
Most people don't attribute that to self-care but a healthy environment is important. We did a plastic purge in the past and switched all food containers to glass. We use unbleached parchment paper and baking cups and glass straws. Little tweaks here and there that add to the whole.
I'm exploring red light therapy and purchased a device. I already had a mask but I wanted something that could target the body and we'll see how it goes. I haven't altered my skincare routine and follow an Asian method. But all of my products and makeup are vegan and paraben and cruelty free. I found a facial wand that really gets into the pores and is great for cleansing. But I haven't found an exfoliating mask I love and I'll probably make my own.
I use a diy oil for my hair and I've wanted to do a rice water treatment. But I can't find a large bag that's organic and don't have room in the freezer. When you buy grains in bulk (or flour and corn meal) they should be placed in the freezer a few days to kill any eggs in the product. If you don't they'll turn into bugs eventually. If you've ever seen them in your pantry that's why. But I'll bite the bullet and make room and grab a bag next month.
On the fitness front we enjoy pilates and indoor cycling. There's a gym in the building but I don't like them. I prefer my own equipment. I have a thing with germs and I know it. I believe in movement for health's sake but not to maintain your weight. I do that through my diet. And I'm not going to do anything that will damage my hands, feet or face by making them less attractive.
I apply a cost benefit analysis to my activities. Is it helping me mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally or socially? I don't do things just because they're popular or fun. There's always an upside.and it makes you more attentive to how you use your time.
Diet wise, we're still eating the same but there's room for improvement. I'm huge proponent for good food that's sustainably raised devoid of unnecessary chemicals and harmful growing practices. There's a lot of things I no longer eat and I consider the menu when dining at restaurants. Profit's their aim not nutrition and I have really good products at home. It took time to build the larder of my dreams but now that I have I prefer my food the most. I have more variety than the norm and that keeps things interesting.
I've been more expressive this year about my body than usual. That's a reflection of progress and personal influences. I prefer a slim aesthetic with a defined silhouette. It's an interesting contradiction. Oftentimes women are moving in the opposite direction as they age. But I'm getting smaller and you don't usually see women over 40 pursuing the number I am.
We're not eating things that put on weight which makes it easier. I don't buy chips, cookies, cake, donuts, soda, ice cream, Starbucks or processed foods. We gave up refined sugars and flours and takeout. There's nothing caloric in our diet. That's why I can eat butter, cream and chocolate without concern.
The content I watch on a daily basis reflects the same. They have similar habits and they're where I want to be. The mental impression is powerful and reinforces my commitment. I love watching women who celebrate their loveliness. I admire the ones who look in the mirror and like what they see in return and if they don't they do something about it.
That's why I love aesthetics. It addresses sensitive subjects and community by gathering kindred spirits. You can share your likes, hopes and fears without recrimination. You're not gonna get a lecture because you want to look prettier or lose twenty pounds or hear a scripture. You already know it. But the comment may trigger someone in a different environment so you go elsewhere.
I've stepped away from topics that inspire arguments or debates and ceased to discuss them. It's counterproductive for the psyche. I've done a similar thing in respect to complaints and limit my exposure or avoid them altogether. There's a question in my mind subconsciously that's always there. Do you want the same? If I don't want the knowledge or result why am I watching, listening, etc.
Permission is the end result of sorts. I've given myself greater latitude for joy, peace, prosperity and more by minimizing impediments and accepting challenges. Not being content with want, one day or someday but putting things in action and seeing where it ends. It's deepened my confidence, certainty and boundaries. Making myself a priority was the best thing I've done and the results haven't gone unnoticed.
I've left a lot of things behind because I couldn't carry them where He's taking me. It takes a lot of honesty to admit what isn't working, what needs to go, and where you're dropping the ball. But if we face the music there's something better on the other side and it's marvelous if we're willing to take His hand and make the leap.
I think Pooh said it best.
~bella
