Over the last few years I have discovered one of my favorite forms of self care and it has helped me better understand my identity as a daughter of God.
It is sometimes hard to practice self care as a wife and mother because my focus is on caring for my family, and it’s hard to find time to put any focus on myself without feeling selfish. A simple self care practice that I have discovered and tried to develop is feeling proud of one accomplishment each day. It’s something that doesn’t take any time, but I have been surprised at its big effect.
It’s easy to glance back at my to do list at the end of the day and see all the things I didn’t get finished, or that I started and never finished, or that I finished but need to do again tomorrow. When those were the only things I noticed, all I felt was frustration and inadequacy. It was like I was intentionally looking for all the ways I had fallen short each day.
During a particularly rough patch of postpartum depression, I forced myself to put only one thing on my to do list each day. Sometimes that one thing was as simple as taking a shower. After a while I was able to add a few more things at a time, but I would always feel grateful for anything I was able to accomplish. Each item was a victory.
Over time, I started recognizing the impact this focus was having on my mental health. As I allowed myself to celebrate some of my accomplishments, however small, I felt more capable. I also started celebrating the moments of connection with loved ones. If I intentionally put aside my to do list and engaged with one of my kids, that was my most celebrated accomplishment. Those small and simple things became the ones I was most proud of.
Being able to look back and celebrate one small thing each day has helped me be easier on myself, recognize the many things I have been able to accomplish, and improve my overall happiness. I have also thought about my role as a parent and how I want my kids to know I’m proud of them for their efforts. I feel like my Heavenly Father is proud of me for my efforts. He cares about me more than I could possibly fathom, and He wants me to care for myself.
Take time to ponder what your Heavenly Father would be proud of you for accomplishing or striving toward. What are some of your personal victories you can celebrate today?
1 Comment
Bethany C.
January 21, 2020 at 5:27 pmI like this idea. Recognizing and celebrating each accomplishment is far more motivational than focusing on all we have yet to do. This is how God operates — always encouraging and building our faith. As James says, He gives liberally without upbraiding!