It’s very unusual for us to have a day out that’s not on the beach or in a field - the highlight being a cup of tea from a tin kettle in the van. We love those days and nothing will beat them. The sound of the sea or a river or a stream, the whistling of the kettle, the cold air, the warm blankets, the sand or rocks or grass underfoot, warm slippers. Happy sleeping dogs. Space just to be. Those days cost next to nothing and they revitalise the nervous system.
Yesterday we went to see a show for a change - booked 18 months ago with pre-ordered drinks and ice creams - followed by an impromptu trip to Five Guys. Only slightly embarrassed to admit to using a booster seat obviously intended for children - in my defence I am the height of an average ten year old and it great to be able to see what was happening on stage!
Not that I would want to change anything but it was a lovely reminder of what life was like before children. Definitely not better - just different. We’ve booked the next show for January 2026.
Self care is so important and it’s so individual - it’s giving ourselves what we need for today and setting ourselves up what we have ahead of us. Today is an equally important but different kind of self care - crossing some things off the to do list that will stress me out later if I don’t, getting on with a bit of study so I don’t feel overwhelmed with it all further down the line, and preparing for the working week - writing up notes and making sure I’ve sent out links for meetings and sessions, preparing slides for training, sending out materials some lecturing.
I know it’s not always easy - especially with younger children - but I hope you can find some time to give yourself what you need today.