As a first-time mama-to-be, pregnancy has been an interesting endeavor. I've been so consumed with creating life inside my body, I haven't had the energy or desire to create much else. My art, my music, my writing - have all been placed on the back burner to collect dust. Which is disheartening and nonsensical. Because the act of creating beauty is exactly what keeps me feeling stimulated and alive, filling me with inner peace, stillness and reflection. I've been viewing these activities as a chore, which is the last thing they are. My creative pursuits are what bring me moments of joy.
And if you've read my post on self-care strategies, you'll know I'm a firm advocate of celebrating and savoring these moments. Especially when life gets messy, challenging, or in my case... dramatically different! As women, wives, mothers, daughters, friends - we're often pulled in many directions at once. It's crucial to put our needs first during these times, and take a pause from our roles and responsibilities to reconnect with our spirit. I truly believe it is vital to our well-being.
So here's how I took a moment for myself over the weekend...
First, I put on some Sade. She sets the perfect mellow mood, always. Then I arranged a sweet assortment of ranunculus blooms, dug out my art supplies, brewed a cup of herbal mint tea and opened up a bag of Pepperidge Farm® Milano® cookies. Dark chocolate, of course. There's nothing like fresh flowers, brush lettering, warm tea and a sweet treat to put me in my happy place.
Here are a few additional ways I like to take a moment for myself, indulging as many senses as possible...
- A hot steamy shower in the dark with candles and luxurious body wash;
- 10-15 minutes of meditation or self-reiki surrounded by healing crystals;
- Cuddling up on the sofa with a juicy novel and a warm pet;
- Savoring a massive cheese plate when I'm on my own for dinner;
- Learning a song on the ukulele, or writing an entirely new one;
- An energizing sunset walk around my neighborhood listening to my favorite playlist;
- One or two episodes of guilty-pleasure TV shows before bed.
How about you, loves? Tell me how YOU take a much-needed moment for yourself.
Leave your answer in a comment below for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card courtesy of my generous friends at Pepperidge Farm® Milano Cookies!
{Check out Pepperidge Farm® Milano® Cookies online: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter}
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