Personalized Recharge

Take time to think about the best use of your valuable time -- spend a few moments dreaming & planning about what your personalized relaxation goals might be.

As I get older -- and as my kids get older -- it gets easier to leave for a moment or rarely for an indulgent overnight to catch up on my sleep and enjoy the quiet moments. I don't always lean into what looks like standard self care. I'm not passionate about a boisterous girls nights out, a cup of tea or a long hot bath does not leave me magically more relaxed.

Absolutely nothing against those pleasant activities - nothing is wrong with a beautiful cup of tea - but I have come to understand that the best self care for anyone is what leaves you feeling more like yourself.

I can enjoy all kinds of adventures but for me to be nurtured and replenished personally - - it's good food, quiet time, making lists, reading and being creative. During the sweet and very long days with small children - the most I could manage to read was the back of the shampoo bottle and most attempts at creativity looked a lot like a joy-filled messy table with three enthusiastic helpers. Even now as I gradually have more free time and more moments of quiet I still don't want to spend all day everyday pampering myself. My daily life and tasks are truly meaningful and the joy of my life has been this season of parenting. But when I am blessed with time away -- if it's 10 minutes or an entire afternoon or a weekend -- I certainly want to be making the most of it and sometimes making the most of it is quiet and very simple.

Maybe your restful day includes walking on the beach, playing games with a friend, ordering pizza and re-watching classic movies. Browsing the thrift shops and grabbing an apple fritter & coffee. A beautiful solitary hike and PB&J picnic. Pedicures and spending time exploring the garden center. A long wander in bookstore and a lobster roll. Listening to live music, nachos and margaritas -- a podcast about true crime -- baking bread -- people watching -- a yoga class -- a snuggle with your dog -- midnight cookies & scary movies --

Spend some time making a list, planning a trip, and preparing some large & small ideas for self care. Taking trip is so beneficial for your mental health, lowering the risk of depression, growing your flexibility and making you more creative. You might derive as much joy from the act of planning itself. Some studies say just anticipating a trip gives your brain a dopamine boost.

This season I have rounded up my favorite ideas and I'll put some time on the calendar to connect with a friend over a weekend and some time to recharge in solitude. I recommend making a list for yourself - What makes you more you? What little things did you enjoy as a child that you might still want to make time for? Who would you spend a restful weekend with? What has been on your list to try?

Current wishlist of ways to spend the moments

{Create - Ocean Night Project– Let's Make Art} (Enjoy - Vanilla Rhubarb Hand Pies) {Listen - rainy walk in the woods playlist on spotify} (Read - The Art of Showing Up)

Cheers -- to time spent intentionally