I have been making some small and meaningful changes to my daily routine. Some of the changes were sparked by a need to support my body more. I had slipped into some slovenly ways that led to overeating and sitting for long period of time in my recliner chair. I became more and more lethargic and unmotivated to do much of anything except write and read books that I hoped would inspire me to shift gears. I still got out and socialized and spent time serving in the community. It was just when I got home and was on my own that I slipped into this pattern of behaviour.

Now there is nothing wrong with writing or reading per se. It is just that the lack of physical activity put things out of balance for me. The less I moved the less I felt like moving or doing much of anything. Living in such a small space means that there is not a lot of room to move around and so that means going outside which I don’t always feel like doing. Dishes pile up before I get up to do them. Mountains of laundry slowly appear. Yet I am often content to sit and just be quiet within myself letting everything else go.

Recently my body started to tell me enough is enough. It is time to make some changes and find a better balance between being and doing. So I decided to start by taking control of my eating habits and being more mindful about the choices I make and when I do eat. I have started walking outside everyday even when I don’t really want to get dress and go out. I set alarms on my phone to remind me to get up and get moving every hour so I don’t sit for too long at a time. Even walking around the studio or getting up to do a few dishes, make the bed, dust a few shelves, all help to keep me moving about.

What I am discovering is not new just a good reminder that my body is also sacred space and needs to be loved accordingly. Shifting my furniture around gave me a new perspective on how I want to live my life. I realized I want spend time writing, reading, and doing art which are all important to me and so is maintaining a healthy body and home environment. I recognize now the need for creative balance.

I know myself well enough to realize that changes have to be slow and steady in order to be sustainable. I like having a well organized and clean home. Still housework is mostly considered a “chore” for me and as I have aged the “have to” list of chores has become shorter as things like washing floors etc. has become harder. So I decided to look at why I see everything as a “chore”. If I could shift that mindset then perhaps I could be more motivated to attend to the care of my home in ways I am able to. What if I could see them as simple practices and used the time to be mindful about what I am actually caring for and doing.

For example, when I do the dishes I am mindful and grateful to have a sink full of clean water to wash them in and reminded that so many do not. I have a dear friend who says she finds washing dishes a meditative practice. Maybe I will get there some day. What I know now is when I get up and do the dishes regularly throughout the day they don’t pile up. I look at my kitchen counters and see a clear space when I sit down in my chair. I smile and feel good that I got that taken care of.

Making my bed as soon as I get up is another small practice that I have started to do because it is easy and makes the room look tidy. I am less likely to want to crawl back in too. Though there is always nap time in the afternoon.

Since caring for my body in more mindful ways my energy levels have certainly improved. I live with diabetes and my blood sugar levels have been normal for the last week or so and that has made a huge difference. The more energy I have the more I feel like moving about. The more I move about the more energy I have. My aging body is responding to the care and attention I am giving it and in turn I am encouraged to keep doing it. The secret for me is to make the choices easy so that I am not creating too much change too fast. One day at time and one meal at a time one practice at a time. I make sure I have nutritious food choices and eat what I feel like at the designated times. If I want a snack it is a something that will add nutrients to my body like a piece of fruit or some nuts. I am learning the difference between when I am really hungry and when I am just bored.

As I say none of this is new to me I just needed to press the restart button. I am sure that life will send me some curve balls that could challenge me enough to throw my current routine off course. Still I have the tools and inner fortitude to keep going because the results are positive and I feel better than I have for a long time — physically, mentally and emotionally. My Spirit is guiding me along the way and I continue to nurture it as well.

Establishing a daily practice for self care and home maintenance is challenging for the artist in me that wants to just go with the flow and let things unfold naturally. Still I know if I spend adequate time using my energy in creative and life sustaining ways my inner artist is happier. I am also an organizer and manager and so having tasks to attend to helps to keep my mind satisfied. “Know thy self and to thine own self be true.” I am finding the creative balance to satisfy the artist and manager/organizer.

The last thing my mother told me before she died was “Follow your heart and don’t lose your head”. She knew me so well. My heart is the artist and spiritual guide, my head is the manager/organizer of it all. Putting them together makes me a great team player.

So I am practicing self care in all its many forms. Taking time to attend to my needs for a well cared for body and home. May you all find the balance in your lives as well to care for what is most calling to you today.