What Do You Love To Do?
By: Jenny Kuspira - DSW
In my role as a Developmental Services Worker, I try to help find ways to make life easier, and more fun regardless of the challenges that may be present. Today I wish to shift my focus from our KCC Kids to you, the family and friends of our KCC Kids.
As we approach the middle of the month of February many of us turn our thoughts to that of love. All sorts of love; romantic love, family love and the love of our neighbours and yes, let us not forget our pets.
One love that sometimes gets overlooked is self-love. That ability to care for ourselves as much as we love those in our lives who mean the world to us. Outside of my work at KCC, I have learned a lot about self-love and self-care which I will share with you today, wrapped up in my own words.
I have learned through my years at Kids Country Club, that those that keep giving from love (family and friends), can lose sight of their own needs and more to the point their wants. I am not suggesting to stop loving or giving or doing for your KCC Kids. I am inviting you to reflect some of that love back onto yourself.
Oftentimes feelings of being “selfish”, “thoughtless” or “bad”, spring up and block us from even thinking about making time for ourselves. It can feel very complicated and exhausting. This article today is just a friendly and gentle reminder, that self-love is important, and it is simple to do when you know-how.
There are really only two key things to know about self-love and self-care…
It always FEELS good.
It is simple.
It Always Feels good:
We all have those things in our lives that energize us, outside of our children. Those things may be something we have enjoyed since childhood like:
Riding a bike
Drawing
or climbing a tree.
It might be something new like:
Gardening
Cooking
Going for a drive
Laying in bed listening to music or,
Tea with your journal or a good book.
Whatever “it” is, It is yours. It is that thing that always makes you smile and excites you just by the mere thought of it. Whatever IT IS, it always feels good.
It is Simple:
Self-care and love are simple. Once you know what feels good, it is just a matter of doing it. It is finding a way to weave it into the fabric of your life. Like a golden thread that glistens and strengthens every other part of your life. Self-care is a decision. It is as simple as that.
I am aware that caring for KCC kids can be wonderful, and exhausting, especially in these topsy turvy times of reduced support and services. I want to help you think about what you might like to do for yourself. When you choose to do something for yourself, It can feel counterintuitive to steal an hour or even ten minutes away from focusing on your children or caring for them, or just being with your children. When you choose to take that time for self-care and self-love, you invest in yourself, and that is good. Whether it is ten minutes or an hour, it will benefit you and in turn your child and your family. You will find energy, ease and laughter. That energy and those smiles and laughter can then be shared with your kids.
Below is a list inspired by an article I found online. I am including it for you to look through and think if there is something here that catches your eye. Something that you can do, modified perhaps, due to the topsy turvy times we are living. I have also included a couple of other links so that you can explore more ideas and what others have suggested for self-care.
★ Buy yourself fresh flowers.
★ Take time for rest and relaxation.
★ Start the day with two minutes of meditation.
★ Treat yourself.
★ Read a good book.
★ Practice the art of saying "no."
★ Shake your booty.
★ Stand up straight and tall.
★ Smile.
★ Go for a hike or long walk.
★ Try something new cooking lessons, yoga.
★ Call your mom and tell her you love her (or dad, friend, etc.).
★ Snuggle up with your honey or 4-legged friend.
★ Allow yourself that piece of chocolate and savour every bite.
★ Shut off your email and cellphone for an hour.
50 Tangible Ways to Practice Self-Love
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/50-tangible-ways-to-practice-self-love_b_5632069
30 Ways to Practice Self Love and Be Good to Yourself
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/30-ways-practice-self-love-and-good-yourself.html
5 Realistic Ways to Practice Self-Care as a Parent
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-realistic-ways-to-practice-self-care-as-a-parent/
I know from working with your KCC kids that they love you. They want to see you smile and be happy as much as you want that for them. Taking time for yourself is not selfish, or bad. It is living an example of one of the most important life lessons; how to practice self-love and self-care.
One final thought and resource for you as well. We are now providing a variety of unconventional respite services for you, your family, and your KCC children. Below is our “MENU” of our new services. Take a look and see how we might be able to help you find that ten minutes, or longer, that you might be seeking so you can invest some of your love into someone who truly deserves it, YOU!