Self-care, simplifying and having something to say...

I should eat better, exercise more and get more sleep. That about sums it up on the whole self-care topic. Now I can move on.

Well actually, I can't move on because the whole reason I am actually sitting here at my computer and typing on a Wednesday afternoon at 1:29pm is because last week someone helped me make a fundamental and very important shift in the way I think. And it has everything to do with this blog and this house and how I take care of myself.

I met with Megan Flatt last week and though I am certain I haven't actually changed any habits (this morning's mental break down over getting to kids out the door proves I have adapted nothing), I am acutely aware of the time I spent with Megan and what small insights she opened my eyes.

It starts here. Her definition of self-care - "Anything that is easy to do that instantly make you feel better." Well, that about changes everything, because it transforms the shoulds into get to's and makes the possibility of taking care of one's self so much expansive. And more obtainable. If eating well (which means cooking) and exercising (which means effort) are things that I am not passionate about, that is ok. In choosing what I am passionate about and allowing myself the time to do those things (in as little as 5 minute increments), then those things that are less exciting but still useful in maintaining wellness and good health will perhaps happen as well.

So what am I passionate about?

At Megan's request, I brainstormed for a few minutes to I want...

And this is my exact list
- to fit into my pre-baby clothes
- the garden water/irrigation/maintenance system solved
- to write every week
- a childcare plan that works
- a small Fiat convertible
- a body that feels more youthful
- a desk and work space at home
- my music on my iphone

Well, there you have it. Seems obtainable. Okay, maybe not the Fiat but a girl can dream.

Though I had started my meeting with Megan thinking we would focus on nutrition and exercise and and that whole fit into my pre-baby clothes want, she instead zeroed in on two items on my list. 1. To write every week and 2. A desk work space at home. Surprised and intrigued, I paid attention as to why.

And of course, it all makes sense. Give time to your passion and there will be more energy, more joy, less pain and strangely more time. For me this means getting organized, choosing priorities and actually setting aside 1 hour a week that is not scheduled after 7pm or on the weekend and to sitting down to write. Which is why, now in the middle of the day, I get to write, at my desk, that I set up under the stairs.

But why am I writing about writing and my new approach to self-care on a blog that is supposed to be about renovating an old house? It's quite simple actually. I want to write. And I want to create a home in which we each value ourselves, our dreams and our bodies. And I want to renovate our house. And well, I know the three are all connected.

I will get to paint colors and how we chose our architect and why we have to save one wall over another, but I can't do any of those things if I am not organized, thinking clearly or feeling overwhelmed. And to be honest, that is where I have been for almost 2 years.

I will be back next week with something to say about how getting organized is going.