Beth, I love your idea of a "self-care chain." It reminds us that when we care well for ourselves, that care naturally extends to others. Thank you for another thoughtful and beautifully written essay.
Beautiful Beth, I love how you show us your gorgeous art process and willingness to hone your creativity. Moreover, your dedication to self-care. I needed this reminder today! Love to you, sister.
Hi Prajna, thank you so much for your generous compliment.on my artwork and my approach toward honing my skills. Self-care is so difficult when each day is filled with responsibilities, but if we don't take care of ourselves, then things can get pretty overwhelming.
I'm so glad you enjoyed my essay. Sending love back to you. ❤
On the cancer front, I do all that is available to me to add months, maybe a year or two, to my life. That will change as the options for me run out. I walk as often as I have the energy to.
I am a member of AA and that helps me stay spiritually healthy. I go to lots of meetings, speak often, and read the literature. It grounds me in gratitude.
I reach out to friends and family. Keeps me out of isolation and engaged.
I stay active in my writing groups, choir and other volunteer work. Keeps my self-esteem up. I love writing for Substack. It's cathartic for me much of the time, but sometimes just pure sharing of memories.
I am religious about how I eat. I had eating disorders for years, and I need to stay one step ahead of the disease.
Thank you, Marilea, for providing these ways you practice self-care. I'm hoping that you and your medical team can take the best care of you as is possible.
Keeping busy like you do is a wonderful facet of self-care, as is spending time with the people you care about. And most importantly, of course, is to take care of yourself.
I've always appreciated how honest you are about the adversities you have faced, such as eating disorders and addiction. I know first-hand the serenity that comes from a 12-step program. I have been a member of Al-Anon and read the literature and go to meetings, as well as speak. This organization has been a true gift to me.
First, your watercolor. I LOVE IT! I love the whimsiness of it, the fluidity, and the colors. You may not be in love with it, but I think it's a powerful statement of beauty and grace.
Self-Care. The bullets are different for everyone. The point, to me, is your keen awareness and your absolute intention. You're not flitting through life aimlessly wondering what to do next. We all know people like that. And I think those of us who (try to) have a plan for the betterment of our lives should be congratulated. It's never perfect, of course, but we have a plan and do our best. Sending you love xoxo
Thank you so much for your generous words about my painting. You pointed out parts I didn't see when I first wrote my essay. Sometimes I can be my own harshest critic.
And I totally agree that every person has something they need to work toward. I think it's so vital to be aware of how we can improve our lives and to be intentional about how we plan to see our self-care as a process and to see it through. Of course, so many people choose to flit about, as you say, and you are right that our self-care goals aren't necessarily perfect, but all we can do is try our best.
Excellent essay, Beth, and for me, very timely. Self-care has been overridden of late by all the tasks and chores of an interstate move, but I had a moment I gave to myself a couple of days ago. In the middle of "so much to do," I got a new haircut. It was wonderful to sit in a chair and chat about the world with a lovely young woman who played with my hair for an hour. And it was such a boost for me. Then a return to the tasks at hand.
Your list of tips are taken to heart today. Make some time to just be quiet and reflect. In the chaos of this big interstate move I'm making, most mornings I'm still able to read, study and write for a couple of hours. When my day starts otherwise, it mirror care not given. It sets the tone for the day. I know you know that one from your art -- art is salvation.
And I love that you point out, we can set intention for self-care, and it can still be messy to make the time to let go and relax into a universe that supports us.
You are in my heart dear Beth. Thanks for this piece . It came at a really good time. Big hugs.
Thank you so much for your kind words and restack. I so appreciate you.
I know you are going through such a huge move and have a lot on your plate. I am so glad you are doing your best to write, as well as study and read. I've been thinking of you because The Odyssey is now in film, as I'm sure you know. You inspire me, and I'm hoping to watch it and then read it.
I also love that you spent quality time getting your hair done! How fun. You deserve to be pampered. Good for you for indulging.
It really is so easy to gloss over our own self-care, especially in times of busy and stressful upheaval, even if the stress is good stress. Art is my salvation, for sure, and writing is yours, for sure. I think if all people valued creative pursuits, they'd all see that art and writing and all the other creative pursuits are their salvation, as well.
Sending hugs back, dear Stephanie. I'm wishing you to be in your new home soon and a wonderful new chapter to begin.
That little haircut break absolutely made my day, Beth. I’m so glad I broke away from the to-do list. It’s really what you write and paint about - how do we nourish our hearts in a harsh world? How do we make life meaningful and self-care, or the care and feeding of soul is something worthy of daily contemplation for all of us.
Thank you for your good wishes. I look forward to getting back into a daily routine. Routine, for me, is self-care too. I do better with some order to my days. A time to write. A time to walk. A time to reflect and cloud gaze.
So glad you got away from your to-do list, too, and had fun with the haircut.
Your question "how do we nourish our hearts in a harsh world?" is so important. We live in harsh times, as you know, and it's so difficult for me as a creative to find meaning and to continue creating art. But the very act of creation -- I believe -- gives our lives meaning and allows us to care for ourselves.
And I am also someone who needs my routine. It is so essential to self-care.
Wonderful post, Beth. As always, your honesty and caring and warmth shine through, even in your art. And I understand the problem of finding a doctor who ‘sees’ you and is caring enough to really listen and help instead of just focusing on tests and prescriptions.
Exercise is so important for my physical and mental health, it helps me feel stronger, brings relief and gives me time outside my ‘head’. I walk through our local park and get to see new goslings, herons, big firs and a lake. I don’t necessarily like lifting weights, but it does make me feel stronger. And even though my yoga class isn’t live anymore, the teacher sent a big library of recorded classes I take every week at the same day/time as I did before. I miss the live classes but her chats during class are still good to hear.
I don’t know where I would be without my art making. This week was more about the changes inside my studio than making art. I sold my wheel which lead to cleaning out the space, ok the whole garage and re-setting the area for glazing. Moving the glazing out of my inside studio area means less cleaning and anxiety about toxins inside my home. My husband dug my dusty easel out of the garage corner and I cleaned it off and set it up inside my studio. What will I do with it now? I don’t know but it feels good to see it again. And again, crochet keeps my fingers moving instead of my mind spiraling and is especially helpful in the evening.
One of the newest additions to my self care, I realize is right here on Substack. Reading your posts and others feels like going out for coffee with other creative friends. It helps to know I’m not alone. I hope your new art classes help and inspire you.
Thank you so much, Susan, for your kind words and encouragement, as always.
That park near you sounds fabulous -- filled with beautiful wildlife and gorgeous surroundings. Yoga and weight-lifting are important facets of self-care. Your yoga teacher sounds awesome to have sent you a huge number of recorded classes. And good for you to be disciplined in practicing yoga at the same time and day as you used to.
I hear you about art. Yes, art is so vital to our self-care. It sounds like you have had a lot of changes going on in your art environment. And getting the glazing outside your home sounds like a great move.
You are such a multi-talented artist! Crochet, clay, painting, drawing; you amaze me. I'm sure you were so happy to see that easel, too.
And your last point about Substack encouraging self-care is so spot-on. Like you, I love the connection I have to other creatives like you. I am grateful to have wonderful creatives as my friends. Yes, it does feel like grabbing a coffee with each other, and I, too, am glad I don't feel alone.
TImely self-care tips, Beth, especially around health and mental health. Mine for August is to do an ayurveda detox to do a gut reset. Because so much is swirling with life and family right now, and because eating has been such a family social event the past month of so, I have been indulging in a little too much of the wrong kinds of foods. So, getting back to basics sounds like good medicine.
The second is, now that out-of-town family is departing, to get back to my journal. Like your art, it is writing that keeps me centered. And journaling has always been a valuable space to detox all the mental and emotional gunk--a heart-and-mind parallel to the gut reset.
Third, getting back to my exercise routine. Core strengthening is always important--and it's amazing how fast that gets depleted when you get out of the habit.
Thank you for your comment. Yes, we must take care of our physical and emotional health. It sounds so basic, but it's not always easy to do.
Sounds like you have great plans for self-care. I hear you about eating too much of the not-so-good-for-you foods. It sounds like the detox will be so helpful for you. I'm sure you've missed journaling, so essential for many writers. I totally get how writing is the craft that centers you and how journaling is another way to "detox," so to speak.
And exercise. I agree about how core strengthening is so vital. Movement is so central to our health, for sure.
Thank you for weighing in on this topic and sharing your self-care goals. I appreciate you. Xo
Great post, Beth! I feel like some of the best self-care strategies involve some form of exercise or creativity. I try to go on long walks in my neighborhood, check out the new houses and look at the mountains. Or, I get on the treadmill and listen to an audiobook. Other than exercise, there isn't much that cheers me up like painting so I try to do that as often as I can. Also, a client mentioned she uses the Forest timer app. I tried it out yesterday to help me stay off my phone and on track with doing progress notes. I set the timer for an hour and during that time, trees will grow. If you get on your phone before the time is up, the trees will start to wilt. I liked it a lot because it helped me get more work done and stay off my phone!
Thank you! Exercise and creativity are both awesome self-care activities. And listening to an audiobook while you are on the treadmill is super productive: you get exercise and reading in all at the same time! I love walks around the neighborhood, as well.
I have never heard of the Forest timer app, but I'm going to check it out. It sounds really cool. When I am working, it is so very tempting (and I do this often without realizing it) to check texts and such on my phone. These interruptions and distractions don't do me any favors. I am proud of myself for giving myself 5 minutes a day on Facebook and 5 minutes a day on Instagram.
I love your latest painting -- actually, all of your paintings are wonderful. You are very talented, my friend, and I find that the act of creating is so calming, too, a total win-win!
I love this post, Beth, and I am going to try to follow your steps in my goal to better self-care. I had been putting off my annual health care appointment also. However, when I went to set up an appointment a couple of weeks ago, the first appointment I could get was in November! That would not work, as we are going to be out of the country August to the middle of December. What a lovely habit you have of lighting a candle and beginning your day with a journal entry. As far as exercise, we do not go to a gym, but my husband and I exercise for at least 15 minutes per day, Monday through Saturday, even when we are away on a trip. It really helps us start the day. Your watercolor flower painting is lovely. So delicate looking. Good luck with your art classes and by all means have fun with it.
Thank you for your kind, insightful words and the kind restack. Maybe you can set up an appointment soon for when you get back in December? Just a thought. I personally am not looking forward to my doctor's appointment next week. Ugh. But I have to jump through these hoops.
Good for you and your husband for exercising regularly. Movement is so vital for the body, mind, and soul. It doesn't matter where it is, or what type of movement one is doing. It does a body good!
Amazing that you'll be out of the country for so long. It sounds like a great adventure. I'm looking forward to your Substack posts from wherever you are.
Thank you for your high compliment on my flowers. "Delicate" was the word I thought after I was done with the painting. I really am enjoying watercolors, though I have an enormous amount to learn.
Beth what a terrific post! I love all of the suggestions for making sure you are taking good care of yourself, in particular, avoiding toxic people! I found Mel Robbin’s bestselling book “Let Them” to be incredibly insightful on how to manage with people who are consistently negative or who ignore you as a friend. What I love most about your self-care is that you consistently write in your journal and ritualize this by lighting a calming candle. This simple act make this something very sacred and special. I will add this to my own daily practice. In addition, I use very small handmade books so that I know when I show up to the page I’m not required to write but a few well chosen words. Beth this was all very useful to think about. I love your flowers 🌺 so gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Gerry! I am so grateful to you for teaching me that journal entries do not have to be long, even just a few sentences or words. You taught me such a powerful lesson. And the small journal books are perfect to encourage brevity, too. I now have Robbins' book on my to-read list also, dear friend. Trying my best to avoid/stay away from toxic people.
I love candles, and you are right: lighting a candle calms the soul and makes writing in my journal a ritual. I've recently been inspired by a watercolor artist on YouTube who encourages her viewers to draw anything for 10 minutes per day, so I've started doing this as well, though I'm not as consistent as I would like. This exercise really helps me develop my observational and drawing skills.
Thanks, as always, Gerry for reading and providing such insightful comments. I value you so highly!
Beth, I love your idea of a "self-care chain." It reminds us that when we care well for ourselves, that care naturally extends to others. Thank you for another thoughtful and beautifully written essay.
Beautiful Beth, I love how you show us your gorgeous art process and willingness to hone your creativity. Moreover, your dedication to self-care. I needed this reminder today! Love to you, sister.
Hi Prajna, thank you so much for your generous compliment.on my artwork and my approach toward honing my skills. Self-care is so difficult when each day is filled with responsibilities, but if we don't take care of ourselves, then things can get pretty overwhelming.
I'm so glad you enjoyed my essay. Sending love back to you. ❤
Oh, I didn't answer your questions.
On the cancer front, I do all that is available to me to add months, maybe a year or two, to my life. That will change as the options for me run out. I walk as often as I have the energy to.
I am a member of AA and that helps me stay spiritually healthy. I go to lots of meetings, speak often, and read the literature. It grounds me in gratitude.
I reach out to friends and family. Keeps me out of isolation and engaged.
I stay active in my writing groups, choir and other volunteer work. Keeps my self-esteem up. I love writing for Substack. It's cathartic for me much of the time, but sometimes just pure sharing of memories.
I am religious about how I eat. I had eating disorders for years, and I need to stay one step ahead of the disease.
Probably more but my mind has gone blank!
Thank you, Marilea, for providing these ways you practice self-care. I'm hoping that you and your medical team can take the best care of you as is possible.
Keeping busy like you do is a wonderful facet of self-care, as is spending time with the people you care about. And most importantly, of course, is to take care of yourself.
I've always appreciated how honest you are about the adversities you have faced, such as eating disorders and addiction. I know first-hand the serenity that comes from a 12-step program. I have been a member of Al-Anon and read the literature and go to meetings, as well as speak. This organization has been a true gift to me.
First, your watercolor. I LOVE IT! I love the whimsiness of it, the fluidity, and the colors. You may not be in love with it, but I think it's a powerful statement of beauty and grace.
Self-Care. The bullets are different for everyone. The point, to me, is your keen awareness and your absolute intention. You're not flitting through life aimlessly wondering what to do next. We all know people like that. And I think those of us who (try to) have a plan for the betterment of our lives should be congratulated. It's never perfect, of course, but we have a plan and do our best. Sending you love xoxo
Hi Marilea,
Thank you so much for your generous words about my painting. You pointed out parts I didn't see when I first wrote my essay. Sometimes I can be my own harshest critic.
And I totally agree that every person has something they need to work toward. I think it's so vital to be aware of how we can improve our lives and to be intentional about how we plan to see our self-care as a process and to see it through. Of course, so many people choose to flit about, as you say, and you are right that our self-care goals aren't necessarily perfect, but all we can do is try our best.
Thank you so much for your supportive comment. ❤
Excellent essay, Beth, and for me, very timely. Self-care has been overridden of late by all the tasks and chores of an interstate move, but I had a moment I gave to myself a couple of days ago. In the middle of "so much to do," I got a new haircut. It was wonderful to sit in a chair and chat about the world with a lovely young woman who played with my hair for an hour. And it was such a boost for me. Then a return to the tasks at hand.
Your list of tips are taken to heart today. Make some time to just be quiet and reflect. In the chaos of this big interstate move I'm making, most mornings I'm still able to read, study and write for a couple of hours. When my day starts otherwise, it mirror care not given. It sets the tone for the day. I know you know that one from your art -- art is salvation.
And I love that you point out, we can set intention for self-care, and it can still be messy to make the time to let go and relax into a universe that supports us.
You are in my heart dear Beth. Thanks for this piece . It came at a really good time. Big hugs.
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you so much for your kind words and restack. I so appreciate you.
I know you are going through such a huge move and have a lot on your plate. I am so glad you are doing your best to write, as well as study and read. I've been thinking of you because The Odyssey is now in film, as I'm sure you know. You inspire me, and I'm hoping to watch it and then read it.
I also love that you spent quality time getting your hair done! How fun. You deserve to be pampered. Good for you for indulging.
It really is so easy to gloss over our own self-care, especially in times of busy and stressful upheaval, even if the stress is good stress. Art is my salvation, for sure, and writing is yours, for sure. I think if all people valued creative pursuits, they'd all see that art and writing and all the other creative pursuits are their salvation, as well.
Sending hugs back, dear Stephanie. I'm wishing you to be in your new home soon and a wonderful new chapter to begin.
That little haircut break absolutely made my day, Beth. I’m so glad I broke away from the to-do list. It’s really what you write and paint about - how do we nourish our hearts in a harsh world? How do we make life meaningful and self-care, or the care and feeding of soul is something worthy of daily contemplation for all of us.
Thank you for your good wishes. I look forward to getting back into a daily routine. Routine, for me, is self-care too. I do better with some order to my days. A time to write. A time to walk. A time to reflect and cloud gaze.
So glad you got away from your to-do list, too, and had fun with the haircut.
Your question "how do we nourish our hearts in a harsh world?" is so important. We live in harsh times, as you know, and it's so difficult for me as a creative to find meaning and to continue creating art. But the very act of creation -- I believe -- gives our lives meaning and allows us to care for ourselves.
And I am also someone who needs my routine. It is so essential to self-care.
Wonderful post, Beth. As always, your honesty and caring and warmth shine through, even in your art. And I understand the problem of finding a doctor who ‘sees’ you and is caring enough to really listen and help instead of just focusing on tests and prescriptions.
Exercise is so important for my physical and mental health, it helps me feel stronger, brings relief and gives me time outside my ‘head’. I walk through our local park and get to see new goslings, herons, big firs and a lake. I don’t necessarily like lifting weights, but it does make me feel stronger. And even though my yoga class isn’t live anymore, the teacher sent a big library of recorded classes I take every week at the same day/time as I did before. I miss the live classes but her chats during class are still good to hear.
I don’t know where I would be without my art making. This week was more about the changes inside my studio than making art. I sold my wheel which lead to cleaning out the space, ok the whole garage and re-setting the area for glazing. Moving the glazing out of my inside studio area means less cleaning and anxiety about toxins inside my home. My husband dug my dusty easel out of the garage corner and I cleaned it off and set it up inside my studio. What will I do with it now? I don’t know but it feels good to see it again. And again, crochet keeps my fingers moving instead of my mind spiraling and is especially helpful in the evening.
One of the newest additions to my self care, I realize is right here on Substack. Reading your posts and others feels like going out for coffee with other creative friends. It helps to know I’m not alone. I hope your new art classes help and inspire you.
Thank you so much, Susan, for your kind words and encouragement, as always.
That park near you sounds fabulous -- filled with beautiful wildlife and gorgeous surroundings. Yoga and weight-lifting are important facets of self-care. Your yoga teacher sounds awesome to have sent you a huge number of recorded classes. And good for you to be disciplined in practicing yoga at the same time and day as you used to.
I hear you about art. Yes, art is so vital to our self-care. It sounds like you have had a lot of changes going on in your art environment. And getting the glazing outside your home sounds like a great move.
You are such a multi-talented artist! Crochet, clay, painting, drawing; you amaze me. I'm sure you were so happy to see that easel, too.
And your last point about Substack encouraging self-care is so spot-on. Like you, I love the connection I have to other creatives like you. I am grateful to have wonderful creatives as my friends. Yes, it does feel like grabbing a coffee with each other, and I, too, am glad I don't feel alone.
TImely self-care tips, Beth, especially around health and mental health. Mine for August is to do an ayurveda detox to do a gut reset. Because so much is swirling with life and family right now, and because eating has been such a family social event the past month of so, I have been indulging in a little too much of the wrong kinds of foods. So, getting back to basics sounds like good medicine.
The second is, now that out-of-town family is departing, to get back to my journal. Like your art, it is writing that keeps me centered. And journaling has always been a valuable space to detox all the mental and emotional gunk--a heart-and-mind parallel to the gut reset.
Third, getting back to my exercise routine. Core strengthening is always important--and it's amazing how fast that gets depleted when you get out of the habit.
Thank you for the valuable reminder!
Hi Robin,
Thank you for your comment. Yes, we must take care of our physical and emotional health. It sounds so basic, but it's not always easy to do.
Sounds like you have great plans for self-care. I hear you about eating too much of the not-so-good-for-you foods. It sounds like the detox will be so helpful for you. I'm sure you've missed journaling, so essential for many writers. I totally get how writing is the craft that centers you and how journaling is another way to "detox," so to speak.
And exercise. I agree about how core strengthening is so vital. Movement is so central to our health, for sure.
Thank you for weighing in on this topic and sharing your self-care goals. I appreciate you. Xo
Great post, Beth! I feel like some of the best self-care strategies involve some form of exercise or creativity. I try to go on long walks in my neighborhood, check out the new houses and look at the mountains. Or, I get on the treadmill and listen to an audiobook. Other than exercise, there isn't much that cheers me up like painting so I try to do that as often as I can. Also, a client mentioned she uses the Forest timer app. I tried it out yesterday to help me stay off my phone and on track with doing progress notes. I set the timer for an hour and during that time, trees will grow. If you get on your phone before the time is up, the trees will start to wilt. I liked it a lot because it helped me get more work done and stay off my phone!
Your watercolor is really beautiful!!
Hi Pam,
Thank you! Exercise and creativity are both awesome self-care activities. And listening to an audiobook while you are on the treadmill is super productive: you get exercise and reading in all at the same time! I love walks around the neighborhood, as well.
I have never heard of the Forest timer app, but I'm going to check it out. It sounds really cool. When I am working, it is so very tempting (and I do this often without realizing it) to check texts and such on my phone. These interruptions and distractions don't do me any favors. I am proud of myself for giving myself 5 minutes a day on Facebook and 5 minutes a day on Instagram.
I love your latest painting -- actually, all of your paintings are wonderful. You are very talented, my friend, and I find that the act of creating is so calming, too, a total win-win!
I love this post, Beth, and I am going to try to follow your steps in my goal to better self-care. I had been putting off my annual health care appointment also. However, when I went to set up an appointment a couple of weeks ago, the first appointment I could get was in November! That would not work, as we are going to be out of the country August to the middle of December. What a lovely habit you have of lighting a candle and beginning your day with a journal entry. As far as exercise, we do not go to a gym, but my husband and I exercise for at least 15 minutes per day, Monday through Saturday, even when we are away on a trip. It really helps us start the day. Your watercolor flower painting is lovely. So delicate looking. Good luck with your art classes and by all means have fun with it.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for your kind, insightful words and the kind restack. Maybe you can set up an appointment soon for when you get back in December? Just a thought. I personally am not looking forward to my doctor's appointment next week. Ugh. But I have to jump through these hoops.
Good for you and your husband for exercising regularly. Movement is so vital for the body, mind, and soul. It doesn't matter where it is, or what type of movement one is doing. It does a body good!
Amazing that you'll be out of the country for so long. It sounds like a great adventure. I'm looking forward to your Substack posts from wherever you are.
Thank you for your high compliment on my flowers. "Delicate" was the word I thought after I was done with the painting. I really am enjoying watercolors, though I have an enormous amount to learn.
Have a safe, wonderful time on your trip. ❤
Beth what a terrific post! I love all of the suggestions for making sure you are taking good care of yourself, in particular, avoiding toxic people! I found Mel Robbin’s bestselling book “Let Them” to be incredibly insightful on how to manage with people who are consistently negative or who ignore you as a friend. What I love most about your self-care is that you consistently write in your journal and ritualize this by lighting a calming candle. This simple act make this something very sacred and special. I will add this to my own daily practice. In addition, I use very small handmade books so that I know when I show up to the page I’m not required to write but a few well chosen words. Beth this was all very useful to think about. I love your flowers 🌺 so gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Gerry! I am so grateful to you for teaching me that journal entries do not have to be long, even just a few sentences or words. You taught me such a powerful lesson. And the small journal books are perfect to encourage brevity, too. I now have Robbins' book on my to-read list also, dear friend. Trying my best to avoid/stay away from toxic people.
I love candles, and you are right: lighting a candle calms the soul and makes writing in my journal a ritual. I've recently been inspired by a watercolor artist on YouTube who encourages her viewers to draw anything for 10 minutes per day, so I've started doing this as well, though I'm not as consistent as I would like. This exercise really helps me develop my observational and drawing skills.
Thanks, as always, Gerry for reading and providing such insightful comments. I value you so highly!