Self Care isn’t Just About (Present) You

Let me start by saying that self care is about you. And don’t believe the hype that ‘Self Care isn’t bubble baths and face masks’.  Bubble baths and face masks are, in fact, self care. But it is more than that. It’s deeper. It’s uglier. At times, it’s less relaxing and comfortable.

I’ve been documenting my process of the 75 Hard challenge on this blog and on Instagram. So many people have responded with wide eyed astonishment. Like, why would I put myself through such a strenuous routine for two and a half months?

75-Hard is self care, for me. It is finally taking control of my schedule, which will hopefully change my life. I’ve said it once, and I know it’s a wild thing to say, but I have too much free time.

If I had nothing I wanted to do or change, the absurd amount of free time would be marvelous. But that’s not the case for me. There is so much I want to do and accomplish. I can’t just let the days pass me.

Better yet, I do not like how it feels when the days pass me. I’ve taken note of how I feel when a week evaporates before my eyes. Saturday feels more like a lifeboat than a celebration, and I realize I did not move forward. It sucks. 

I’ve also noted the way I feel when I have to jump into clothes that used to be oversize style. I know how it feels to not feel like myself in my body.

If I don’t do something to change, I’ll spend my life like this. I’m adaptable, so I imagine I’ll find a way to cope and even get used to these feelings. But I don’t want that for my future self.

The same way I don’t want her (future me) to be concerned about money, or retirement, or health, I need to consider her feelings. 

If life is a relay, I don’t want to hand 35-year old me a tired body with poor eating habits and no time management. Understandably, she’ll then be left with the task of change. Or, more likely, hand 40-year old me an even worse hand of cards with the honest explanation that I wasn’t in great shape when she got me.

I have a vision for 40-year old me. It’s detailed, because I like to romanticize my life. In my vision, I’m not concerned about money. I have sold more copies of books than I can count. I enjoy slow mornings with a light schedule. I vacation based on where I want to go, not what flight deals I find. I never fly coach. I’m a vigorous reader, and renown dinner party host. I’m able to shower my family and friends with gifts without hesitation. I’m fit, and healthy, and confident, and stylish.

I cherish that vision, constantly adding more details as I experience more ways to live. I want to gift myself that, which means I need to work harder now. I need to build the routines and change my habits while I have the baton. 

Self care isn’t just about present me. While I do prioritize taking care of me now, I also have to think of me in the future. And how I will live, what I will look like, and how I will feel about that.

I’m the youngest I’ll ever be again, I owe it to myself to mine my youth for all I can experience and learn. My future self deserves a lead in life. 

XOXO