Can we change how we look at “self care” a little? I think it’s more than bubble baths and getting my nails done, enjoying a glass of wine or buying myself new tennis shoes.
I want to care about what I SAY to myself. I bought 4 new bathing suits the other day on Shein (this is my newest vice, secondary to reckless tennis shoe buying), and you know what, they were all cute! Am I slim and trim? Nope, I have eaten a lot of cheese dip. Am I smooth and refined? Nope, I had 9-lb babies, and I’m wrinkly. Am I in great shape? Nope, I can run a little and still look cute, but after that, I’m fighting for my life all sweaty and bedraggled.
But I said to myself, “Self, you look pretty good. You got great boobs and a good complexion. Keep eating well and trying hard. You will not embarrass your kids and might even turn your husband on. Get it, Sister.”
I need to play THIS tape in my head, the encouraging Ted Talk not the self-loathing podcast. I want to be reminded that I’m smart and resourceful, professional and polished. I want to hear I’m funny and sharp, kind-hearted and loving. I want to know that I’m not getting older, I’m getting better, wiser, and prettier. Who better to hear that from than myself? I definitely have to believe it if I’m going to exude it. We have to love ourselves first, right?
I need to stop wishing I looked like that, chastising myself for being stupid, or downgrading my abilities. I want to care for my own heart, my own well-being, and my own inner peace. I have been hindering it all for sure, if not outright destroying it all, with my ridiculous, negative self talk. It’s hard, but THIS is the kind of self care I need to get better at.
Today, I’m going to be nicer to myself, cut me some slack, and reflect on what I’m doing right. I’m pretty cute, even when I’m sweaty. I am hella quick-witted, and I know about a lot of stuff. And I do have great boobs. I’m going to tell myself all that. That’s a start.
Amanda Herring, Writer 