Mindful March: Work, Rest, and Healing

March 11, 2019

Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash

I’ve been playing with my theme of mindfulness these past 10 days—doing simple things like turning off the radio while I drive so I can hear myself think, pausing between tasks to take a breath and notice my surroundings, etc.  A sub-theme has appeared: listening*.

What I’m hearing, especially from my body, is that I need to take better care of myself. In addition to the pulled muscles from the fall from Tank, I’ve been dealing with severe tendonitis in my right (dominant) wrist and forearm. My preferred method of self-care, ignoring discomfort and pain and hoping it goes away, isn’t working. I’m also due for some routine checkups at various healthcare practitioners’ offices. The pain I’ve been having has impacted my exercise habits, which is a problem in itself. It’s time to reevaluate how I take care of my physical health, and devote a little more time and attention to it.

After a season of hard work preparing for my trip to France, and a season of turmoil, stress, and change following my dad’s death and moving Tank, I find I need extra time to care for my body, mind, and heart. I need renewal, nourishing, and to cut myself some slack. I do want to keep building my freelance business, and I have new projects I’m excited to work on, both professionally and personally. But at the same time, I’m trying to be better at responding when my mind cries “enough!” and my body stiffens from sitting at my desk and begs for some movement.

I know I’m lucky to have the flexibility I have—it’s much easier for me to move things around to get the healing and rejuvenation I need than it is for those who work full time for someone else, or who have small children at home. I’ve been in those situations, and I’m grateful for my current life stage…even if it is a bit challenging physically.

I also know that some of the crazy mind pressure I feel is coming from me and no one else. I know it’s important to set and reach goals, and not to waste hour after hour of precious time, but that constant, driving voice that remains impossible to please…that voice needs to stop.

And that’s what mindfulness has revealed so far this month!

How do you find balance when you need to work, but you also need rest and rejuvenation?

*I’ll be writing more about listening in March’s Happy Little Thoughts newsletter, a once-a-month email in which I share unique content, favorite recent reads, and other happy little things—click here to subscribe. 

In other news:

One of my favorite freelance articles ever has just been printed: “An American Quarter Horse in France” (click on the title to read the article). Monica and Bandit’s story is delightful—I hope you’ll check it out!

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6 comments

  1. Ah Kathy taking care of yourself is an unselfish act because if we don't do this we cannot take good care of others. I am glad to read you are not going to ignore your pain...sometimes it is a good indicator that something needs checking out. Take care. Hugs!

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    1. That's a good point, too, Debbie. If I run myself completely in to the ground, I won't be of use to anyone, least of all myself.

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  2. I agree with Debbie. And congratulations on getting your story published. It’s a delightful story.

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  3. Kathy, I totally get your realization about switiching to mindfulness and focus on self care. I've been using the bullet journaling idea (BoHo Berry for example) as a means to focus on intentional, healthy living. I've had tendinitis from injuries, in both wrists. PT helped a lot,with exercises, & with getting guidance through the healing. What I learned is that it totally heals with care! I will read your story.

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    1. Rita--good use of bullet journaling! It's encouraging to hear your tendinitis improved. I've had it so long, I'm beginning to think it will never get better. Since it's in my dominant hand, it's all but impossible to give it rest.

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