May 10, 20232 min read

Last week I got Co*id for the VERY. FIRST. TIME.

I know, crazy right.

It was not a fun experience.

I’m all about growth so I decided to try to take from the experience what I could.

For most of my life my approach to sickness has been suck it up, get on with it and try not to make a fuss.

In the last few years, I’ve become a zealot for self care.

I love taking myself to the sauna, indulging in a massage, taking a yin yoga class, or a flotation therapy session.

These activities are not a once in a while thing.

I’m consistent and relentless with my self care.

So while holed up at home last week I reflected on how to continue to care for myself without access to my usual luxuries.

I came to a profound realisation.

It’s far easier to care for myself at the deepest level than I sometimes allow myself to believe.

I set reminders on my phone to check in with my energy levels and ask the questions ‘what do I need right now?’ Then actually wait and listen for an answer to come through.

I changed my inner voice from one of ambition, to one of gentle love. I imagined I was talking to a young nephew that needed caring for.

I took time to reflect on my achievements over the last year and gave myself permission to feel pride

When friends and family asked how I was doing I shared what was difficult without any ‘but’ and I allowed their well wishes and love to fill up my heart

I took long walks in the park and listened to relaxing music and comedy podcasts

We can make self care less about the what and the how, and more about the who.

Just like all things, it’s all about who we are being in each moment.

We have the capacity to care for ourselves with tiny acts throughout the day.

You might call these acts of micro self care.

It’s about permission.

Giving ourselves permission.

Permission to rest deeply, to be calm, to wind down, to be cared for.

Permission to turn off our ambition knowing it will be right there waiting for us when we are restored.

Be restful

Graham

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