avatarMary Chang Story Writer

Summary

The content discusses the importance of self-care through engaging with nature, as illustrated by the January Six Word Photo Story Challenge with the theme "Self."

Abstract

The author, Mary Chang, emphasizes the significance of self-care amidst the chaos of daily life, advocating for activities like forest hikes, ocean swims, and yoga in nature to alleviate stress and improve mental well-being. The article is a call to action for the January "Self" challenge, inviting participants to share their six-word stories inspired by personal photos, reflecting their self-care journey and inner gratitude. The challenge is hosted on Medium's Six Word Photo Story Challenge publication, and submissions are open with specific guidelines and formatting rules to ensure acceptance for publication.

Opinions

  • The author values self-care as a crucial practice for maintaining mental health and managing daily responsibilities.
  • Engaging in nature is portrayed as a therapeutic activity that provides revival and calmness.
  • Self-care is seen as a self-empowering practice that enhances one's ability to care for others.
  • The author expresses a personal desire to engage in self-care routines more frequently.
  • A positive mindset shift is associated with taking time for self-care.
  • The author recommends the "listen" feature for those who prefer audio over text, suggesting the voice "Salli" for a better experience.
  • There is an appreciation for the diverse voices available in the "listen" feature and an interest in more international accents being added.
  • The author is passionate about inspiring others through monthly challenges and encourages people to share their stories.
Photo of the author, by Natalie J. McMillan, Photographer

Photography, Nature, Writing Prompt

Self Caring Nature

January Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Self”

I love me, my life, nature.

This January’s challenge is devoted to “Self.” Sometimes I become so anxious and overwhelmed with the chaos of everyday living, I forget to devote time for myself for self-care. When I do take the time and practice self-care, the managing of those duties is forced to take a back seat.

When I’m revived or calm from a forest hike, ocean swim, or gentle yoga practice in nature, my mindset shifts, and those “to do” things become less stressful and easier to tackle — then I wonder why the heck I was frazzled and worried about them, to begin with!

When I honor myself to provide self-care, I tell myself “I wish I could do this all day!” or “Why am I not doing this every day?” or “I should do this every day.”

Sometimes the opportunity doesn’t present itself every day, but when it does and I choose the time to practice self-care, breathe and slow down, I appreciate my health — my only life — and I give love to myself.

Inner gratitude for simply being alive.

When I love myself, it empowers me to give more love, care, and attention to others.

Love yourself like nobody’s watching.

PS. Want to listen to this story instead of reading it? I invite you to click on the “listen” feature if it appears at the top of this story. To change the voice of the speaker, click on the “person” in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. I recommend “Salli.”

There are six voices to choose from and I hope they come up with more international accents! Note: I think this feature is only available to a select group of Medium users (as a trial) and can be accessed only on your computer (not your phone). Just curious, let me know what you think of the voice and listening feature.

Can you tell a story in six words inspired by a photo taken by yourself?

If you’d like to submit to the Six Word Photo Story Challenge and participate in January’s “Self” Challenge, see full details and rules below.

The January “Self” challenge is open for submissions from Tues, January 4, and closes Mon, January 31, 2021, at NOON, PACIFIC STANDARD TIME.

NOTE: Please read and follow submission guidelines. Stories not formatted correctly or that require edits will delay publication or may not be accepted. Formatting guidelines are unique to this publication — please read them thoroughly.

About the Writer

Mary Chang is the editor of the Six Word Photo Story Challenge publication — inspired by her original 6-Word Photo Story Summer Challenge writing prompt (2021) on Medium. She’s also a writer, parent, and fitness enthusiast who takes a good photo sometimes — and loves creating monthly challenges.

Fueled by cartwheels, laughter, and encouraging people to shine. Read her blog at www.marychangstorywriter.com

Monthly Challenge
Photography
Nature
Self Care
Writing
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