Bouncing Back

I resumed my nature walks today! The mask I got from Etsy was way more comfortable. There weren’t too many people out so I didn’t have to swerve a whole lot. More people were wearing masks too.

It was a stunning day, brilliant sun and sky, 56 degrees out butterflies, and grasshoppers galore. I was laughing at the sounds the grasshoppers made, there were crickets chirping too along with the sweet, cheerful tweety, cooing birds.

I walked through the meadow on the hill so I could take photos of a few flowers that were beginning to blossom, plus that’s where all the wild grasshoppers were. They’re so colorful here! When they hop/fly their wings flash color like lightning.

I finished a collage for an exercise from Walking in this World and journaled about it. The collage and journaling referred to a situation that has been bothering you that you want some insight about. I asked about my health struggles. Basically I need to keep doing what I’ve been doing recently. This is what I journaled…

I need beauty, simplicity, pampering, nurturing, nature, solitude, gratitude, exercise, minimalism, acceptance, healthy food, fruit, berries, veggies, citrus, hydration, slowing down, staying in, playfulness, spices, baths, sunbathing, expansive landscapes.

A getaway in the mountains, a retreat in a secluded house by a lake, and special treats like cupcakes. Mindfulness, soaking, marinating in the sights and sounds of everyday ease, lightness, being. Sitting under a tree listening to the birds watching the clouds go by and butterflies fluttering amongst the dandelions. Sipping a cup of hot cinnamon tea, eating a scone.

Sending myself loving thoughts, relishing my body, my breath, my existence.

Going to a farmer’s market for local goodness.

Spreading kindness, laughter, belonging, lightheartedness, ease, comfort, and calm wherever I step. Saying aaaah, ahhh, and savoring the space with no pressure or constraints. Allow me to be nurtured and taken care of by myself and the universe.

Treat myself as the precious gift that I truly am so I can readily extend this same reverent treatment to others in kind for we are all precious gifts. Find paradise right where I am now and take full advantage of it by staying as present and peaceful as I can.

Splurge on what nurtures and heals me deeply and profoundly. Go high, wide, and deep in every soulful, heartfelt endeavor.

Remember I’m a beautiful child of the universe as worthy as anyone else.

I know we think that we can somehow do it all and stay healthy. Truth is that if we’re working 40 hours or more a week, commuting, taking care of a family, working odd hours, extracurriculars, and all…there’s little room or energy to spare for self-care. It takes a toll. We read about time management, ways to squeeze in workouts, how to eat healthily, we’re shown that it should be possible. It appears that others are managing it, so it can be done, right?

Ha! It’s a ruse. That is all.

So I’m playing catch up on self-care. I did this back in the years 2007-2011 where I concentrated on my holistic health. It worked spectacularly then. Here’s hoping I can do it again!