Fast-forward about three months, to early July. I had been working with clients for a few weeks, and had not been making time for myself. I was exhausted, and cranky, and overall a frustrated wreck.
"Hey," I said to myself, one afternoon while I was driving back from a frustrating session with a client, "I haven't been doing any of that self-care stuff that we talked about in grad school."
I'd love to say that when I realized this, there were cheers all around... or that a triumphant march was playing... or perhaps just a slight POP as a lightbulb blinked on over my head.
But nope. None of that.
(And honestly, that's okay. I'd rather not hallucinate if I can avoid it.)
However, when I brought this up to my husband, he told me that I need to start making time for me. And when I talked with a close friend who also graduated with me and is working in a similar job, she told me the same thing. As did other people I talked with -- both "in real life" friends and friends online.
So... what have I done since then to take care of myself?
- I journal. Frequently. Not on here (obviously), since this is not a journal (duh).
- I write things. Sometimes on here or other blogs of mine. Sometimes transcripts for things I want to record.
- I've tried my hand at making videos. Kinda want to try that some more.
- I've starting making things from scratch (iced tea, pulled pork, and pound cake are the most recent things... so yummy).
- My husband and I have gone on a picnic and after we ate, we played a game of catch. Having fun -- childlike fun -- is amazing.
- I've been working on some piano pieces that I love and want to improve.
- I try to have coffee dates regularly with people who understand the stressors and frustrations (and joys and privileges) of being a social worker.
I hope to be adding to this list soon.
What about you? What have you been doing to take care of yourself -- to treat yourself -- lately?
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