Build in one day a week to restore yourself
We are all fighters in here. We fight for our country, for Democracy, for due process, for equality, for safety, for peace, for acceptance, for freedom - for the Constitution. We are all tired and each of us runs the risk of mental burnout, physical exhausting and depression. I know, I've experienced it for the past 1.5+ years now, since Nov 9, 2016, and after last week's body blow my inner self, my soul, cried out for rest, cried out for a break, and so I allowed myself just that - without any guilt. I'm still here to fight the good fight and that won't stop until we win, or even if we are beaten, I'll still fight. That being said, listening to my body and soul this weekend was one of the wiser things I've done in a while.
I gave myself a little vacation on Saturday. No news, no reading the latest horrific drama, no listening to the radio other than some humor on NPR, and no obsessing and hand-wringing over this pot of shit we seem to have fallen into. Instead I listened to my favorite music, had an old friend over and cooked dinner, shared some wine and insulated myself against the darkness....just for a day. Just for one small moment in time. Today, I'm back on the horse and feel so much better, so much stronger, and with a clearer head. My Saturday was my vacation from this hell we are living through and it's the first time in a long time I've felt rested, and removed, from the darkness of reality, and I have no regrets because I needed to take care of myself - just like all of us in here. We need to treat ourselves to a little break, a little time off the battlefield and back inside of our better selves.
I felt better immediately this morning and found myself listening to Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark" as I a made a big breakfast for my husband and I, putting some Bailey's in my coffee and realizing how much I needed time to heal, time to tend to my soul.
Like so many of us I've been raw and prickly for months, but after last week I couldn't keep up the fight just to continue to watch us lose so much so quickly, so I listened to my inner self which was crying out for the familiar, the peaceful, the things that have bolstered me in times of trouble: my favorite music, cooking, sharing time with old friends. I feel like a new man today and feel compelled to urge those of you who are at their end to take one day off a week. One day with no news, no worrying about our country and freedoms, no fear. Not two days, not three, just one. For me it was a day off from work, a Saturday, and I realize now, the day after, that my energy and my spirit feel like they had a vacation.
Bottom line? Take care of yourself. Please, don't burn yourself out and realize that a day off won't take away from our collective fight, but instead it will help all of us by keeping us strong and sane.
Go listen to your favorite music. Go cook something you love - comfort food. Go for walks. Go read a non-fiction book that takes you away. Go work in the garden. Take your dog for a walk. Meet with friends. Go shopping. Just treat yourself with the kindness that you deserve.
We are all in here for the good fight, and I know that each of you needs a rest. Be gentle with yourself, build in some time to heal, then go back to the fight with a slightly rested soul and little more energy. You all deserve it.
Be well, everyone, we are in this together.
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