my self-care bag

Self-care is a vital aspect of health, and yet it is largely unacknowledged in our society. Our fast paced culture doesn't often appreciate when we take time to take care of ourselves and soothe our true selves.

Let's talk about what self-care means. When life gets too busy, and we're tired, stressed, and overwhelmed, we can call upon our favorite self-care methods to slow down, rest and soothe our worried minds. This could be meditating, singing, hugging someone, getting a massage, buying yourself flowers, talking on the phone, reading, doing a craft, etc...

In my own life, I have largely ignored self-care. Instead, I have masked my emotional self and my needs and chose to focus on helping others, the pursuit of other people's approval, and what I could control with anxiety and worry. This, of course, isn't healthy. I finally gave in a few months ago when the panic attacks became too intense, and realized that I needed to find some healthy outlets to soothe my broken, exhausted self. Learning about and choosing self-care has been one of the best resources in my recovery.

A few weeks ago, I was listening to Ingrid Michaelson on my way home from therapy (I am a big fan of therapy, by the way). Her song "Are We There Yet?" came on, and I found myself in tears behind the wheel over the the following lyrics:

They say there's linings made of silver

Folded inside each raining cloud

Well, we need someone to deliver

Our silver linings now.

Are we there yet?

A few days later, I saw that Jess Constable from JessLC had just released a new line of tote bags as a part of her Kinzie Collection, and one of them said "Find the Silver Lining" (featured in the above photo). I immediately thought, this could be my self-care bag. This collection of self-care tools could literally be my silver lining in my recovery. When the day is like a raining cloud over my head, and I can't seem to get one foot in front of the other, I can pull out this bag and initiate some self-care to make myself feel better.

So what's inside my self-care bag? Let's take a look:

1. Jesus Calling devotional: this daily devotional book is superb. Seriously, with each page I am newly inspired and challenged. This connection to God and Jesus really helps raise my spirits and recognize that my fears are outnumbered by my trust in my higher power.

2. Rifle Paper Co. notebook: since I've been writing so much lately, I make sure to keep my journal with me at all times. Sometimes, I just have to purge the emotions and express myself.

3. Chanel shine lipstick in 'Romance': to make the day seem a bit prettier.

4. Pinon incense: this smell is my favorite smell on the planet. It has been since I was a little kid, when my mom would buy huge batches of it in Santa Fe and bring it back home to Colorado. It reminds me of cozy nights in my mom's kitchen, and wintery nights in the mountains. It can take me out of my head when I'm feeling anxious and help me feel more grounded.

5. Lollia Breathe Peony and White Lily Shea Butter: this delicious hand lotion is one of Oprah's favorite things, and my hands always feel better when the dry mountain air sucks the moisture out of them. It's such a comfort.

6. Nail polish: the colors can change but I love having a bit of flare throughout the day when I'm feeling down. I don't know about you, but when I'm having a hard day (or week/month/year) it can be hard to get dressed and all dolled up. Painting my nails helps me feel a bit more connected with my self and my boldness.

As for self-care activities, I am big into writing, massages, meditation, and connecting with friends. Anxiety has a way of bringing you into your head; it can even make you feel like you are outside of your body. The key is to get yourself grounded, and to feel like you are living in your chest, in your heart, in your gut. Realizing this has curbed my anxiety in a huge way.

I'd love to hear your ideas for self-care, or what would be in your self-care bag!