LIFE | COFFEE TIMES PROMPT 🌸 | SELF CARE
I Learned Self-Care From Observing My Mum
Simple actions over time — make a lifestyle
Response to 🌻COFFEE TIMES PROMPT🌻 'How Do I Practice Self Care?'I know I’m cutting it close to the end of February. Like real close. I love surprises… So Surprise? 🙈
I had a clarifying introspection session and, realised a few things.
- The Majority of my Self-care practise revolves around creativity
- The practices that don’t — nurture my mind
- I learned everything from watching my Mum throughout life ❤
So… How Do I Practise Self-care?· Writing
· Reading
· Craft
· Movement Thanks, Mumma ❤
My Mum and I have a weird relationship. Not bad weird. As a kid, I was always closer to my Dad. I’m not saying this to be horrible. Just the truth.
When I became a mother, I realised how much she does for me. Being an only child, it was A LOT.
How amazing and, painful being a mother can be. She never expected grandchildren in her 40s. But here we are ❤
My Mumma is wild, imaginative, intelligent and, stubborn as hell!
I become more like her every day. I no longer think this is a bad thing. She is currently studying for her PhD! I couldn’t be more inspired by her love to learn and grow.
We have endless conversations and I see our similarities sparkle. ⚡️
So… How Do I Practise Self-care?
Mum always had (still does) random scraps of paper with notes all around the house. When I was a kid, I struggled to sleep most nights. She encouraged me to write things down on a little notepad beside the bed.
I have done this for as long as I can remember. It helps me dump the worries and, know they won’t be forgotten.
Writing
I write for hours. All the time.
Taking notes when I watch movies, in the car on the back of my hand.
I “brain dump” for 10–15 minutes every morning to clear the residue from sleep. This helps me find clarity in how I need to take care of myself.
I found a pen shoved in my hair when I woke up the other day.
I’m never found without writing implements.
Mum used to take me to her writer’s group.
I remember not loving being stuck with a bunch of old poets. She loved it.
Mum loved the curious prompts and, the deep meaningful conversation with others.
Writing on Medium is like my writer’s group ❤ Writing is my favourite form of self-care.
Reading
At any given time I read — One non-fiction book, One Fiction and an audiobook. Having a variety to sink my teeth into is my second favourite self-care ❤
The writer’s group I mentioned above? was held at the local library. To say Mum and I spent a lot of time at the library would be a gross understatement.
These days, when I’m feeling a bit lost in my headspace.
I hit the library and add more great books to my living reading list. I love touching the spines, finding hidden gems and the smell is so specific. It smells like childhood.
The strength of all of these writers collected in a single place is a source of energy for me.
Helping me to care for myself through stories 🌻❤️🔥
There’s always room for a story that can transport people to another place. ― J.K. Rowling
Craft
My parents have always encouraged creativity! Craft is a part of me much like writing is.
They called me “The Collage Queen”.
My Daughters bring home wonderful creations from their Grandma's house. Pretty much every time. Mum will never stop creating and neither will I.
At the moment I’m teaching myself how to make digital collages. Also, we do a lot of sewing and hot glueing in our house. ⭐️
The use of my hands and, the power to create something makes me feel incredible.
I love the empowerment it brings to create. The feeling grown from writing or collaging is irreplaceable in my self-care practice ❤
Movement
Not only the movement from exercise. I do hiking, roller skating and, frequent pilates. In creating there is movement. Albeit not a lot, it’s there.
In caring for my physical health there is movement.
My parents started hitting the gym in the middle of my life. Before this, I can remember them doing yoga at home. Also, we walked our dogs every night, without fail, rain or shine ❤
Mum was also a part of a local mountain walking group for years. I have early memories of walking around new suburbs, just Mum and me.
Walking just for the sake of walking. Which we still do together today.
Mum taught me the power of movement in taking care of not only my body but my mind.
The use of creativity in our every day. Shared her love for literature, writing and, wild fascinating imagination.💪
My Mumma is the bomb!
For that, I am infinitely grateful ❤
This story is a bit longer than I had intended! I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless xoxo
February Prompt by on the Coffee Times ‘Life’ column ❤ Thank you Yana for this quirky introspection, it was a lot of fun ❤I must recommend you take a look at Sujona’s beautiful exploratory piece ‘Sparrows, Shower and Shedding Tears — My Journey from Self-love to Self-awakening’ ❤ and,
Dharan.M’s succinct and, creative response to the same prompt ‘Six Ways I Practice Meditative Self-Care’.
Bridie D. Founder and Editor of Youness-ness. Simpsons addict. Mad writer.
Not a Member yet? Become one today and write/read with us here and a bajillion other fantastic writers here on Medium 😃
