Confession: I’m generally terrible about self-care. I push myself too far, don’t take breaks, over-commit, and get incredibly stressed out. I become unable to enjoy quiet, simple, moments of relaxation.
Today was one of those days, at least partly.
We woke up at 5:10 am to a phone call from the school district that there was a two-hour delay due to icy road conditions. I couldn’t fall back to sleep, and around 6:45 was apologizing to Dude for being so restless and angsty. I stayed in bed after he got up to make breakfast for the kids and get them off, and then dragged myself up to face the world.
I felt like crap. My stomach was not happy. I was exhausted.
But I had to go to work.
So I had a cup of coffee and a shower, got my stuff together and off I went.
I managed ok, but I still felt yucky most of the day, sluggish and run-down and just “off.” My boss invited me to leave whenever I needed to, so I actually took her up on her offer and left when she did, about an hour earlier than usual.
I didn’t exactly come home and rest. I took a couple hours to just chill, had dinner, and then have been stuffing envelopes ever since.
It needs to get done.
Sigh.
I fear that will be my refrain until Epiphany, when things (maybe) slow down again.
I need to remember that it benefits no one when I don’t take care of myself, that an extra hour of rest will do wonders for that productivity I chase.
Self-care is not selfish, it’s necessary.
Ok, back to envelope-stuffing I go.
But I’m totally taking a break when Dude’s apple crisp comes out of the oven.
birch & raven 