Nourishment

Heart, mind, and body. Three aspects of our being that need to be cared for. Life is difficult, more often than not. Too many times, I find myself caught up in the rat race and ignoring my personal needs. This past week, I made a concerted effort to care for my self to start back on the path of balance. I started the week getting back to the elliptical machine in my garage. Loud music playing on my ipod and 40 degree weather at 3:45 a.m. make for a perfect setting for good workouts. The name for my blog comes from the clear thinking that I do when I am on the elliptical. As the days get shorter leading up to the winter solstice, I need all of the endorphins I can get flowing through my veins to help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder.

On Wednesday, I met with my counselor. I've been going to the same person for over four years and I appreciate being able to discuss issues and learn helpful strategies. One of the things I learned later in life is that my mental health is every bit as important as my physical health. It is okay to admit that one needs help dealing with life at times. If you know me, you know that I don't get much sleep. If you really know me, you know that I average 5:19 minutes of sleep a night. I think this may be taking a toll on my body. I've tried a few things to quiet my monkey brain but nothing that seems to work long term. Well, on Thursday after work I had a massage. I must have been quite stressed when I made the appointment a couple weeks ago because I signed up for a 60 minute full body massage. It was my first time in a new place and Heather did an amazing job! I talked with her about my sleep issues prior to the massage. After the massage, she said to document my sleep with such an air of confidence. For the last two nights, I slept for 6.5 hours each night! That hasn't happened in years.

After my massage I went to our local PFLAG meeting. I joined last year but I haven't gone for a while. Sharing stories and news with those in attendance helps to restore my hope. Sometimes when one struggles alone, one loses sight of the bigger picture.

On Friday, I met a friend and co-worker for coffee. We have met every Friday for over four years, starting with the year I lost my job. We started at the Culture Cafe and when Rich closed, we moved to Jenn's Java. This has become a ritual that I cherish. There is something about the comfort of a cup of coffee and conversation with a fun and trusting friend.

Today I drove to Madison for an overnight. Along the way, I stopped to deliver some things to my parents and visit for awhile. My mom gave me a few of her chocoloate chip cookies. Nothing says comfort like mom-baked cookies.

Despite the light rain, once I got to Madison, I took a walk out on the trail, drinking in the cool, damp air. I just love the smells of the leaves in autumn. I spent much of the afternoon reading with a cat curled up on my lap.

This evening I took a soothing bath. My thoughtful daughter had given me some Lush Bath Bombs and tonight I used Tropical Magic. She knows that I love their products and using these from time to time is a wonderful treat. There's nothing like a good soak to ease the tension and relax the muscles. A post bath pedicure provides some relief to my tired feet.

I have a haircut appointment on Monday. I probably won't go with anything too different but it is fun to look at other styles and see possibilities. My hair is so thick that just getting it thinned out feels so much better. Any visit to a salon for a bit of pampering is time well spent. So ends a week of many moments in a week of concerted care, some planned, some unplanned. Tomorrow I will journal and reflect to keep this mindset alive. I'm curious how I will sleep tonight and hope that I have turned the corner. What to you do to nourish your mind, heart or body? I'm always willing to try new things.

Source of Mind, Heart, Body graphic: http://eileenmcgurty.com/?p=41