The line between happy and crazy is very thin. The distance between joy and depression is fragile.
A short story.
“What are you doing tonight?” He asked.
“I think I’m going to write, do some yoga, drink some lemon tea, and try to head to bed early–I’m a bit tired.” It had been a long day. Or rather, weekend. I’d been writing nonstop and I stayed up too late trying to do too many things.
He laughed. “A lady who loves working, yoga, and sleep–what a beautiful dork. But honestly, the fact that you love taking care of yourself is kind of a turn-on…”
“No, seriously,” I replied. “I need movement, sleep, and good food to keep me happy. It’s just a short distance to crazy and depressed if I get those things out of whack.”
It’s a dance, he replied. That thin line of health and happiness keeps moving, and we keep dancing with it. Life is change, and we take the tango in stride, learning how to keep ourselves filled with gratitude, joy, and wonder.
Sometimes it’s about the simplest things–getting good food, and good sleep–and that makes all the difference.
Despite knowing this, it consistently amazes me how poorly I take care of myself. I’ll miss workouts in the name of more laptop time, I’ll forgo good sleep, and I’ll pretend that coffee is a substitute for adequate rest.
Sometimes the most difficult thing seems to be taking are of myself.
Our first job is to take care of ourselves. To love ourselves. To nourish and fill ourselves up with healthy food, healthy thoughts, and rest so that we may be of maximum value and service to those around us.
What are you doing to take care of yourself today?
Leave a note in the comments, below, and tell me what you’ll do today!
Thank you!
Closing my laptop to do a workout and then cook a meal with my husband, rather than continue to work (even though I really enjoy my work.)
Took a good long walk with the puppy, said no to weekend craziness and am working on my creating some positive headspace.
Taking the time to read this post :) That’s something i did to take care of myself today. It made me think of how i can start taking more care of myself. :)
Of course! :D Thank YOU for being here.
That’s a gorgeous practice. And even more challenging when you love your work!
Taking a long walk, enjoying a good book instead of being on the laptop and getting enough sleep. :)
Getting proper rest is so important. Far too often, I try and tell myself that I will catch up on rest later, but it ends up making me unproductive and irritable. I am still learning, but getting better at it. Thanks.
Tons of sleep, lots of baths, and solo movie/museum dates- ;) xo
Only following story ideas that make me excited. Having a slow day and pumpkin toast. Walking around in the beautiful sunshine–spring, cold and clear.
Slow days are so beautiful. I read something (may be another post soon)—”rest requires discipline, too.” Sometimes we need to have enough of a boundary and a structure for slow days. Otherwise we get caught up in fast. And following the story ideas that hit the insides in that way… yes.
Sleep is amazing. Those days when you get a ton of it… nothing beats it! As for the solo dates, I’m reading a book now you might love—”Mating in Captivity” about the difference between eros, intimacy, and love. SO good. See you soon!