Take a long bubble bath, go out and get a pedicure, treat yourself to another piece of cake. We’ve all heard those suggestions to get us to our happy place by doing something mentioned above.
If it were that easy, we’d make it a point to schedule time and never miss adding suds to our bath. But the reality is that these things are not enough. How many cookies have you “treated” yourself with? Only to feel the guilt downpour afterwards. They may sound sweet and provide you some temporary relief, with temporary being the key word. Doing something external will only bring us a temporary sense of joy. It is not sustainable.
There is another type of self care we can incorporate in our lives, and it requires a little more grit. I’m referring to doing things that cause us discomfort in order to achieve what we truly desire.
I just went through this myself, so it is fresh on my mind! I have a goal of weighing 120 pounds. This requires I lose approximately 25 pounds. Well, let me tell you, I have been working at it. I cut out flour and sugar from my diet. The only exceptions are when I have a “cheat meal” once per week, that is scheduled ahead of time. With all of that being said, self care does not look like “treating myself” to that delicious brownie starring at me when I order my coffee. By breaking my diet regimen, I’m not caring for myself. I’m getting a temporary joy while eating it, but that fades away.
So basically, this idea of self care does not feel good.
For me, being in a body I am comfortable in, at my natural weight will feel amazing. Deciding not to buy and eat the brownie, feels the opposite of amazing! I believe this is the ultimate in self care. Thinking about our future self, and what is best for her. And acknowledging that at that moment, it will not feel good. We are basically sacrificing what you want now, for what you want most.
The same could apply to so many other areas of your life. Working on your side business after the baby goes to sleep, is not exactly an ideal scenario. I’m certain you are exhausted after a long day of caring for the baby, and switching gears to work on your business and bring out the creativity, sound like a lot of work. You’d probably feel more inclined to lay on the couch and watch some TV to “unwind”. Doesn’t that latter sound more enticing? But you know that working on that side business is going to move you forward, towards the person you want to become.
And guess what? You can do hard things!
I’m all for treating yourself to experiences and things you enjoy, just not at the expense of your goals. Because true self care is all about caring for yourself now, and in the future, even if it means being uncomfortable along the way.
