My daily to-do list of responsibilities is quite long, every day. Which is why I always narrow it down and have a top 3. I use a post it note that sits on top of this long to-do list to clearly state in an obnoxiously obvious way, the 3 most important tasks, otherwise I get lost in the list that is more than I can muster the energy to manage in a one day.
My top 3 is typically a priority work meeting, a doctor or vet appointment and a person I need to call or text back. It still confuses my as to why some type of self-care routine isn't on that top 3 list.
Self-care is more than a spa day, a trip to the nail salon or getting my hair cut. Self-care should be practiced daily in order to fill your own cup so you have enough energy to get through that daily task list. I ran too many years on an empty cup without realizing it.
I have intentionally put self-care into my daily practice but somehow it usually ends up low on the priority list and if I do anything at all, it's the morning gratitude 5 item list but nothing else to fill my cup. That said, I need accountability for my self-care practice or else it doesn't happen.
One adventure once a month is a rule in my home.
Get outside, see something new, break from your routine, let go of all your tasks, responsibilities and to-do's and be present for an adventure. The adventure doesn't need to include airline tickets or 2 tanks of gas... it can simply be a walk in the park or a garden visit or a bike ride.
I use my Pen Pal Adventure Book as self-care accountability. When the book arrives in my mailbox, I know I have 30 days to go out and have an adventure. This break from routine, break from the daily to-do's, break from the phone and socials and break from responsibility ALWAYS fills my cup!
The question now is how to ensure my adult kids get a book in their mailbox every month so they follow the same self-care practice... wink wink.
-Shelly
Here's a link to the daily gratitude journal I use, created by my soul sister Rayvin. (and the link to the Pen Pal Adventure Book)
