Self Compassion & colored pencils

I love a rainy day.
Every rainy day... every thunderstorm... seems to me like a special gift from the creator of the universe. A little reminder that says "look for the beauty, take a rest, breathe the fresh air, be renewed, soak up the good, breathe deep, move slow, pause, think, Be and of course... enjoy my dear... enjoy"
That's the message that I feel in my soul every rainy day. 

Sometimes... I really need a rainy day.
And yet the sun is on full blast, the air is humid and heavy, the breeze is absent, and the heat index is scorching. A crisis bubbles over and takes center stage. My empathetic heart breaks as pain, suffering, and heartbreak run rampant in my community, my family, my life. 

Like so many people, I have to be very careful, because I can easily be dragged down. My companion Depression will seize the opportunity. My Anxiety will jump in the drivers seat. My heart will take a beating and my head will cloud. And I will become a hot mess.

I had to learn. THE HARD WAY. To keep vigilant. To watch out for these times. To find new skills and tools that can help navigate through. Because they are part of life, these hard times, they come and they go,and they wreak havoc. But I do not need to lie down and succumb.

I've found that one of the best things I can do. IS to actively practice Self Compassion.


Self-Compassion: is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.-Christopher Germer

I self care. I find ways to send myself that same message that the Creator sends me on a rainy day.
Listening to music that calms. Turning off the tv. Eliminating the overstimulating distractions. Finding joy in simple activities. Deep breathing. Exercise. 

Yesterday, I had a much needed Full Day Self Care.
I went to a scheduled therapy appointment. I made a decision NOT to ruminate on the issues after I left.
I bought colored pencils and other art supplies. 
I got a massage.
I ate healthy. 
I exercised.
I spent time deep breathing and meditating. 
I spent time in prayer.
I made myself my favorite treat (rice krispies).
I napped.
and 
when I felt good and calm and filled and relaxed and renewed.
I went to bed.
​Feeling as if I had experienced a rainy day.
A gift I gave myself.

along with these beautiful colored pencils, pens and markers.

Self care is an act of love.
It is critical in my life & has helped to make all the difference in how I approach, how I cope, how I endure, and how I rise.
​

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome. -John 1:5