Synopsis: In this week’s podcast, I talk about self-care, and the best piece of advice my mom gave me when I was feeling overwhelmed in life. Her advice was to do one thing every day that can’t get undone – meaning find something, no matter how big or small, and make it a priority to finish and check off the list for good. Her advice helped me re-asses what self-care means to me, and I hope it can do the same for you.
This recent collective experience of learning to prioritize self-care reminds me of an important piece of advice my mom gave me years ago. I was at a time in my life when I was feeling chaotic and disorganized. Her advice helped me look differently at what self-care means to me, and I’m excited to share how you can apply her advice to your every day.
When I had two little guys and a newborn, I wanted things to be orderly. I felt like I was living in a constant mess and could never get anything done without having to start all over again. Which I think applies to a lot of people right now, parent or not. Her advice was to do one thing every day that can’t get undone – meaning find something, no matter how big or small, and make it a priority to finish and check off the list for good. Something that makes you feel like you are moving forward, or something that makes you the kind of person you want to be. It doesn’t have to be a huge task – even just getting a picture hung on a wall. It won’t take away the repeat chores or tasks, but it will give you some sanity. You will be building confidence inside yourself and creating a life that you love.
My mom’s advice made me realize I needed to start thinking about self-care differently. There are the obvious cliché things like massages and bath bombs. But true self-care, to me, comes down to creating a life that you don’t feel like you need to escape from. And I love thinking about self-care that way because you are finding ways to stay happy and healthy in your life through daily actions that make sense to you. And that could look like regular exercise or getting enough sleep, but it’s different to each person. Choosing self-care that requires consistency – something I’ve been working on – creates a life you love and are happy to be in.
One way I’ve used her advice is by making all my family’s doctor and dentist appointments for the entire year in advance. It’s not life-changing, but it’s such a sense of relief to have a whole year’s worth of a task done. It’s one more thing I don’t have to panic and worry about when it gets closer to the time. Meal prepping and planning for the month is another one. It is great to come home and not have to think about dinner. Draw or paint something. Cut off or distress a pair of jeans. Even to finish reading a book is something that can’t be undone. If I can do one thing that cannot get undone every day or week, I found that I have a much better outlook on life and feel so much more in charge of my situation. A vacation is great, and I love a pedicure, but that’s not the only thing that takes care of me.
What did you do today that couldn’t be undone? What are you going to do tomorrow?
Listen to the full podcast here:
Looking for story on storage bins that held the boys papers!
https://onelittlemomma.com/organizing-all-things-pantry-bathroom/