Centering
Last week, I spent most of the day Wednesday getting a hot-stone massage (stones pictured above), facial, and manicure/pedicure. I debated about whether to post about it–it seemed a little “let them eat cake-ish”–but then I decided that if you can’t be a little self-indulgent on a personal blog, where can you be? The facial was not that thrilling, but everything else, down the chicken salad sandwich I ate for lunch, was downright delightful.
The spa day was a gift from my wonderful in-laws, and it was just exactly what I needed. By the end of my break, I realized that what I had needed most was time to re-center, to get back in touch with myself outside of work, to refocus my energies on home, family, life beyond my job. I needed to spend some time worshipping my own lares and penates, helping my husband restore our house to the place of refuge and peace that we all need it to be. We ate pizza at our favorite local joint, went roller-skating, walked to the duckponds, and just spent time reconnecting in the sunshine. I felt more present and mindfully so in those hours with my girls than I have in months.
The last quarter of the school year is upon us, and I’ve got grading to do, lessons to plan, students to support and meetings to attend. But for the rest of this school year, I’m determined to hang onto some of that peaceful feeling I managed to rediscover this past week, and stay in tune with my loved ones as best I can.
- Posted in: all about me ♦ photos
Hi Jackie, your entry so resonates with me. My semester’s almost done, and I’m stressed because of the usual end-of-year duties (like grading), and exams etc. I’m very busy now, but I crave time to do my own stuff: writing, training my dogs, reading good books, etc. I indulge myself for a few minutes with each of my loves everday, but always fel a bit guilty.
I will no longer feel guilty because I’m comforted knowing that there are others with the same experiences.
Oh Debbie, I hope so– no more guilt! Time to yourself, to recharge, to center, is essential, not an indulgence (easier said than believed, I know).