Good Self-Care Is Ruthless

These past few tumultuous years make me wonder how my ancestors managed to do as well as they did with their own trials and tribulations. All my elders from my grandparent’s generation have died, but I knew most of them well.

They shared stories about the Great Depression, the war, and various financial hardships and personal losses they endured. And while I knew that these stories don’t make up for experience, living through what we’ve seen for ourselves gives me an appreciation for the sheer terror and disorientation of living through historical events brings.

A good portion of the angst must come from not knowing how and when things will end, or where we’ll be when the ending comes. Not knowing the ending does NOT excuse us from our responsibilities to cultivate contentment and protect our health. In my opinion, wild times call for ruthlessly intentional self-care routines.

A person is said to be ruthless when acting without pity or regard for others. This isn’t commonly associated with self-care, but I’m asking you to point your ruthlessness at nonsense, distractions, or anything else that might harm your health, peace of mind, and thriving. How do we become ruthless?

Replace unhelpful things with good ones

You probably know what I’m talking about. Maybe it’s that thing you’ve been thinking of trying for years. Maybe it’s a little embarrassing or out there. So what?

Be careful out there

I stand by my previous recommendation for caution around the news, arguing on the internet, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and anything else that changes how you think and feel.

Here’s what I’m doing

Keeping up with my diet and medical appointments.

The Christmas tree of my dreams. I tried for years to do an aquatic tree with lots of #MermaidVibes, but couldn’t get my act together. 2021 was supposed to be the big year, but things at home got in the way. Luckily, a dear friend stepped in by sending me some lovely shell and jelly fish ornaments. I got a second matching set and an octopus to go with it and we were off to the races! Now I’m looking to make this more of a year round tree situation.

Preparing for an MLB strike. Major League Baseball fandom is kind of a lifestyle. Most fans know what they’ll be doing depending on what timezone their team is in. I listen to most Detroit Tigers games and follow the team, even when I’m traveling.

I’m working on my back-up activities like re-reading For Love of the Game, going deep on Shoeless Joe, checking out Negro Leagues history, and reading that book Ted Williams wrote. Baseball has seen me through 20+ years of arthritis, and I won’t drop it now, even if they don’t play.

Don't forget:

1. You didn’t make it this far to get sloppy now.
2. This will end. Do everything possible to be here when it does.
3. It's okay to be happy and enjoy yourself when others are suffering.