Maybe my self care has simply
changed with the season...
My morning routine has gotten a little neglected lately.
I haven’t been walking every day like I used to, even though I intentionally made walking a habit because I know how important weight-bearing exercise is as I get older.
I haven’t been meditating much either.
Granted, meditation has never exactly been my cup of tea. But I know it’s good for me too, so I try.
And my gratitude journaling hasn’t gotten nearly as much attention.
I was tempted to feel a bit guilty as these things started to slide, except I’m not sure I’ve actually gotten off track.
I’ve just been spending an enormous amount of time outside in the garden. This weekend's project of grasses for a steep portion of the hill is in the pic above.
I’ve been digging, hauling, planting and transplanting as I slowly turn our backyard into a relaxing place where you want to hang out.
I’m certainly getting a daily workout. And I’m spending hours surrounded by trees and plants. With my hands in the dirt, I may be doing more to quiet my mind right now than I would sitting still trying to meditate.
And I’ve noticed that while I haven’t been writing down as many things I’m grateful for, I’ve had an abundance of time to notice them, sit back and appreciate them.
The cooler air.
A plant obviously happy in its new spot.
The way the light moves through the trees.
It’s made me realize—self-care doesn’t always have to look the same.
We hear so much about the importance of routines—and I am a firm believer in them.
But it’s important not to get so attached to the practice that we forget what the practice was intended for in the first place.
I walk because I want to move my body and keep it strong. For a while, gardening is giving me plenty of that.
I meditate because I want to cultivate presence and give my busy mind a little space. Lately, I’m finding that outdoors.
And I write down what I’m grateful for because it feels good to notice what’s good in my life. It doesn’t always have to make it onto paper for me to experience that.
That doesn’t mean I’m giving up my walks, meditation or gratitude practice. As the days grow colder and the garden rests, I suspect I’ll naturally return to them.
But I’m realizing that perhaps our routines aren’t meant to remain exactly the same through every season of our lives.
After all, what nourishes us in January may look very different from what nourishes us in June—or October.
So rather than asking yourself whether you’ve been “good” about your routines lately, perhaps there’s a different question worth asking:
What do I need in this season—and am I already receiving it in a form I haven’t recognized?
Maybe self-care isn’t always about getting back on track.
Sometimes it’s noticing that the track has simply changed.
With love,
Julie
I allow what nourishes me to change with the seasons.
What We Loved This Week
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