I have been following FlyLady for help with getting our house in order. There are some days that I just feel like burning the whole house down and starting over would be the easiest solution for the mess. When I at least try to follow FlyLady and get organized, even if just a little, I feel more in control of the mess. I love one of her mantras, “The mess didn’t happen in one day, neither will the clean up!” Each month she offers a monthly focus. December was pampering yourself.
I asked my friends and family what they like to do to pamper themselves. I personally love to just light up a candle and breath in the relaxing aroma. The calming smell of the candle does a lot for my overall mental state. I can be running around the house cleaning, organizing, planning, etc. but I take a whiff of the candle and I get a sense of calm.
My oldest son is now working. He knows my love for candles and was so sweet to get me a Christmas candle advent calendar from Trader Joe’s. It was such a sweet gesture. I took a picture of the lit candle each day for the 12 days leading up to Christmas. I think that was probably one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever been given. It is so wonderful when the kids are so thoughtful without word from anyone. He probably didn’t think it would mean so much to me but it really, truly did.
One friend mentioned that going and getting a manicure was her favorite pampering treat. She said, “It makes me stand up a little taller because I know my hands look nice.” It is amazing what a little self-love can do for you mentally. A small physical change can lift you up so much sometimes. To some it may seem like a needless expense but for my friend, it means so much.
Another friend said that eating out at a special place with friends is one of her favorites. I know for our family, we don’t eat out all that much anymore. The cost is just ridiculous. If we eat out, it is special. I can see why my friend considers this a special pampering event. If you don’t eat out often and then you get to go to a new restaurant or one that you love with a friend that you cherish, it can be very rewarding and enjoyable.
For some going shopping, looking at Christmas lights, visiting a gallery, the list goes on, can be pampering. For some of us it can be as simple as the kids go to bed and I get an hour of quiet time to write, read, or craft without little hands or demands. I love the kids to pieces but I also enjoy time after their bedtime to do what needs done or simply to sit in peace.
How about you? What does self-love or pampering look like for you? Leave your opinion in the comments!