On the 10th day of Christmas

my true self gave to me:

10 Ways to Pamper Myself¹
9 Benefits of Dancing
8 free hours
7 item checklist to find a good therapist
6 Songs for playin'
5 Bold Things
Four Square Breathing
Three fountain pens
Two moments of wonder
And a positive affirmation to start my day.

Photo Courtesy of Pexels.com

All Together Now

On the 10th day of Christmas² my true self gave to me:

10 Ways to Nurture Myself
9 Benefits of Dancing
8 free hours
7 item checklist to find a good therapist
6 Songs for playin'
5 Bold Things
Four Square Breathing
Three fountain pens
Two moments of wonder
And a positive affirmation to start my day.

Here are the 10 different ways I nurture myself:

1. Go for a walk
   Explanation: I prefer outside and I take the dogs. Yep, I'm a softie and they get so excited to go, so why not?

2. Watch the birds on the bird feeder
   Explanation: All seasons, it brings me joy to watch the birds on the feeder and listen to their song of thanks.

3. Listen to music
   Explanation: Almost all music, I'm not a big fan of rap or hard rock with angry lyrics. But, otherwise, I love music.

4. Go to a museum
   Explanation: I prefer art museums, but natural history museums are wonderful also. I'm fortunate to learn near a large university and they have numerous exhibits open to the public.

5. Sketch
   Explanation: I love to draw. Maybe soon, I'll start painting also.

6. Watch the sunset
   Explanation: Yes, The Little Prince³ and I have that in common.

7. Watch the moon
   Explanation: Yes, I know to be careful with my eyes. But, watching the moon, particularly when it is rising above the mountains lifts my heart.

8. Feel the wind
   Explanation: I love a gentle wind. There is something about the wind shifting through my hair that reminds me of J.R.R. Tolkien's poem⁴

9. Gaze at Meadow Flowers and Butterflies
   Explanation: Speaking of Tolkien in the above poem, I love meadows flowers and butterflies⁵ are an unending miracle of hope.

10. Cozy up to a fire and read (or write)
    Explanation: I'm pretty sure this doesn't need an explanation. It's something I love and an incredible way to nurture myself.

Directions (no batteries required):

My maternal grandmother, the one who immigrated from Norway in the 1920s, always carved out time each Friday afternoon for herself. She arranged for her children to be watched and she took 2-4 hours for herself. Every single Friday.

Although she was ostracized by the women in her neighborhood for being an immigrant, speaking with an accent, and criticized for being conceited (she was reserved and very beautiful)--she was emotionally and physically healthy. She had a wonderful disposition and was centered and stable. I think her Friday afternoons, allocated for her to do whatever she wanted, helped that disposition.

If a reserved, shy, young immigrant--living through the heart of the Great Depression--can do this and take time for herself. So can I. So can you.

In Laura Davis's workbook, The Courage to Heal,⁶ she encourages survivors to have a list similar to this—at the ready. If and when one needs a pick-me-up, take out the list and do one of the things on your list to help you feel better.

Sound advice for everyone. Please make your own list of 10 ways to pamper/nurture yourself and use it. Always take care of yourself.

1. Some refer to this as "Take yourself on a Date" or ways to "Pamper Yourself"

2. I understand not all celebrate Christmas, or even believe in God. However, for the sake of simple communication, I ask for your understanding of my play on a well known Christmas Carol to give you 12 days of humorous prompts to support you through this holiday season.

3. https://www.abebooks.com/9780156528207/Little-Prince-0156528207/plp?ref_=ps_ms_267691761&cm_mmc=msn-_-comus_dsa-_-naa-_-naa

4. https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/I_Sit_beside_the_Fire_and_Think

5.

6. https://a.co/d/baJiTfu