Taking care of myself

Life. It happens. Time moves forward whether or not we stop and smell the fireweed or gaze at the beauty of our cold, Alaska winter sky.

Responsibilities, expectations and serving others direct our energy outward, depleting the energy reserves for self-care. In order to have the energy to keep doing what we’re doing, we need to find ways to nurture ourselves.

Most people maintain a busy and demanding schedule catering to their individual lives. Kids to school, sports, fundraising, the big championship game, work, lessons of all kinds, shovel the driveway, help out a friend, walk the dog, family occasions, holidays, and don’t forget to pick up a gallon of milk on the way home.

Are you getting an education, whether in middle school, high school or college? You wake up, get to school, pay attention in class, spend time with friends (if you’re lucky), school work, homework, chores, hold a job, babysit and help out at home. Within the task-driven, obligatory flow of our lives, we need nurturing too.

Often what feeds our souls and provides self-nurturing are the things we like to do. When was the last time you got a craft project out? Do you love reading but can’t remember the last good book you read? How about a good workout at the gym? I know it’s been too long when I can’t remember my locker combination and my gym shoes still look brand new.

Have you tried something new lately? How about registering for a community college class or joining a club at school? With the Internet and YouTube, you can learn just about anything your heart desires. Sometimes nurturing ourselves can be as simple as taking a nap or doing nothing, which for some is more difficult than writing a master thesis.

Take a few seconds to ask yourself: What feeds me? What can I get excited about? What makes me feel alive? What calms me? What would I like to try? It’s time to remember me now. I’m important and deserve to be nurtured. Check out books by Louise Hay and SARK for positive self-affirmations and juicy inspirations.

Wendy DeGraffenried is a registered nurse, tai chi instructor, creative designer of Alaska Transplant Clothing Co. and school nurse at Wasilla Middle School.