Self-care is not a waste of time. Self-care makes your use of time more sustainable. — Jackie Viramontez
I approached the concept of time a bit differently this month. I am not very good at the idea of “self-care” (as I think many women are…sigh.)
Every day this month, I have tried to spend at least fifteen minutes each day for myself. (The 15-minute block of time was the easiest thanks to my 100-day project.) But I wanted to do more than 15 minutes of stitching for myself.
Thanks to a scheduling issue, my “annual” physical was pushed back from January to the first of February which I thought was a great way to start the month with a self-care focus! This was just my second visit with my doctor… the first time was last January and I did not have a “good vibe” with him. I am happy to report that this visit was not that! He asked if I had any concerns… so I talked about my bouts with insomnia, the ever-present tinnitus, and my decreasing/diminishing hearing. He listened and helped me “make some plans” which I have been implementing all month long.
First up, he helped me realize that sleep should not be fleeting and insomnia does not need to be a.thing. “Make the bedroom a sanctuary,” was his suggestion and I worked on that! I started by getting some new sheets for the bed. I also stopped reading in bed after “lights out,” which has had a dramatic impact on sleep. And he gave me some different ideas on how to deal with the tinnitus at night. Yes, I still had a few nights of insomnia… but I got out of bed, got a glass of water, and then sat up and read for a bit. Surprise, surprise… I soon found myself feeling tired enough to put the book down and go back to bed. He also suggested melatonin for the nights that I am really struggling but I have not had to take any… yet.
The second phase of my doctor visit begins this morning with my appointment with an ENT doctor. Goals for this appointment…discuss the tinnitus and the hearing loss. I will have a hearing test as well, and yes, I am a bit nervous. But I think no matter what the outcome of this appointment, by addressing these issues will result in a better quality of life!
I also had bloodwork done and it was fantastic! The Lipitor® is working fantastically! And my other numbers were not bad at all. Thank goodness for science because atorvastatin is one amazing little pill!
I got the RSV vaccine as well, and although I ran a low-grade fever for a couple of days after getting the “jab” I have another level of protection as I go about life!
I made an appointment for an eye exam… sadly, the actual appointment is not until next month. But living life with “readers” for “every vision” in every space has passed the frustrating mark… New glasses, yes please!
I still *need* to make an appointment to get my hair cut as well. This has been on my list all month and I have just been ignoring it. (In case you think I somehow achieved a perfect score in self care…) I don’t know why I am avoiding this perhaps a bit of not knowing what I want…But February is not yet over… there are a few days left this month to make that call!
Making yourself a priority is like sprinkling golden dust of richest blessings on your life. — Hiral Nagda
I also have been delighting in an extra poem (or two) with my morning meditation time. Nothing… and I mean absolutely nothing is better to begin a day than stopping and reading a poem. It changes the inside of me… in such a good way!
I also spent more time stitching… gosh, who knew that a needle, some thread, and a piece of linen could be a thing that saved my life this month! When my knitting just fell flat, I had stitching… when I needed a brief respite, I had stitching… when I had an idea to try “x”, I had stitching. And even if the idea did not work… often I found a different way to try something. (So yes, I am loving my daily stitching project. One small “stone” each day this month found its way into my heart and I have loved what I have learned!) I always knew making, in some form, was a good thing I did for myself and right now stitching is leading the way!
But perhaps the best thing I learned this month is that taking care of myself is the “golden dust of richest blessings…” Yes, yes!
And that is my month of “self care” perhaps I have set my feet on the path of being better about prioritizing myself.
A huge thanks to Carolyn for providing us all a landing space to talk about our words and how we interacted with them this month!
See you all back here on Wednesday!
I also have problems with “self-care” because it conjures up visions of bubble baths, manicures, and self-indulgence, even though I know that’s not what it is at all. You have made a great start on time for yourself, and it all sounds so worthwhile. I’ve also had an ENT app. for tinnitus and my hearing, without any real tinnitus relief and I don’t (yet) need hearing aids. So John and I spend our days saying “what” and “huh?” to each other because he doesn’t wear his hearing aids. Keep sprinkling that golden dust!
So pleased to hear you’re giving yourself the time and attention you deserve! And that the doctor visit went well – it’s amazing how hard it can be to book that appointment when you don’t have a good rapport with them.
Sounds like you made great strides this month.
I’m so glad you had a good visit with your doctor! I sometimes have insomnia but it has improved over the last few years as I’ve moved deeper into menopause. (The full moon nights are still rough, though!) I also take atorvastatin and it has lowered my cholesterol dramatically. I should probably talk to my doctor about tinnitus as it’s getting a bit more frequent lately. I’m very interested in your appointment and results!
This is all so good Kat! YAY for you making the appointment and getting “stuff” taken care of. Going to an audiologist is on my list for next month (I still need to book the appointment). My friend Leslie has worn a hearing aid for several years (and you would never know it)…now she wears two. I think I will be joining her. Seems like we are all on atorvastatin and have some sleeping issues. I do read before turning out the light…but a book, not a screen. And I do use melatonin gummies that work…sometimes…not all the time. Sprinkling gold dust – we ALL need to do that! Thanks for paving the way.
I hope you can hear the cheers from 2 hours away…because what a month! Extra kudos to you for being ‘open’ to a better appt with that doc this time around. I tend to close off when I have a bristly interaction — sounds like your openness and his energy were a great match this time around. (As per the melatonin — I resisted for years. Then, when push came to shove, I went for it. I don’t take it every night, but I don’t hesitate to take it when I need it.)
Congrats on the great blood work (Yay for science is right!). And remember — you don’t need to know exactly what you’re going to do with your hair when you make the appointment…. (I’m saying this just as much to myself at the moment, btw!) And good luck with the ENT. I’m glad it feels good to be getting on the road to more insight. ♥
I have always found that putting my health first has been worth the time it takes, so I am delighted to hear about the positive developments in your health that have come out of prioritizing your well-being. I’m also happy to hear your doctor was better this year (let’s hope last year you just happened to catch him on a bad day). I hope you’re able to get some relief with your hearing issues and a new glasses prescription soon!
I am in the trial period with my first pair of hearing aids and, well, the jury is still out. I’m not sure I like the style (in terms of comfort). Now that I have them, I’m not sure how much I really need them in my day-to-day life. I can certainly hear some things better, but others not so much, and the fact is… I spend a LOT of time in an office, mostly alone.
If you find a cure for tinnitus, I’m all ears. haha.
I applaud your version of self-care. Health appointments are important and a great way to begin.
This is the best kind of self-care, Kat! I’m so proud of you for taking these giant steps! I am a long-time hearing aid wearer. I’d be happy to tell you all about my (great) experience with them! Life changing! XO
yay you for all the appointments may the solutions be abundant!!! I hope the insomnia gets kicked to the curb!