Make a Date For With Yourself

How often do you take care of yourself?  Is it possible to put some time aside every week for a couple of hours just for you? We would probably call that a luxury or pampering ourselves.  But don't we need that and aren't we worth it?

Some people go on a "date" with themselves.  In Julia Cameron's book, The Artists Way, it is called an artist date. It is time for yourself and by yourself.  It can be going somewhere like an antique store, or browsing a favorite book store, a specialty store or no store.

It can be anything you want it to be, something you would enjoy doing and look forward to.
It could be working in your garden, reading a good book, getting a pedicure, etc.

The problem is,  as Moms, wives, or daughters we tend to put ourselves last on all of our lists. We make sure everyone has what they need, then we hope there is left-over time for us.

I used to go on an "artist date" on a regular basis (what happened?)  It was a special time I really looked forward to.  I didn't have to go out to spend money, I just made a list of things I would enjoy doing alone and never felt like I had the time to do.

I love stepping back in time at antique stores.  I went to a sanctuary nearby and walked the labyrinth and then sat inside and meditated for a few minutes.  I have gone to have a coffee at a favorite place.  I even stayed home and spent the time beading.  I am sure when you think about this, you have many ideas that will come to you.

I urge you to try this.  It can be a lot of fun. Put the time on your calendar so you really take it seriously.  Make a commitment to yourself.  Even if you start every two weeks or once a month, you have started.  Schedule it.  You will be happy you did.