Me, Myself, and I
May 6, 2023— 2:42 pm
As I’ve gotten older, I have started to understand the importance of independence and self-care more and more. Especially after graduating high school. Once I started college-level education, I had a lot more free time on my hands since the classes didn’t run all day like in high school. I would work my normal part-time job, but when I’d have a whole day free– that’s when I really became in tune with my independence.
The beauty behind one’s independence is special, at least in my opinion. I think that independence is so beautiful because it shows that person’s interests, what brings them joy, and what makes them feel good, inside and out. Independence is putting your basic needs first. Doing what YOU want to do, with no one there to tell you otherwise. Independence is having the confidence to make your own decisions and choices and not worrying about what other people think. (Like me starting my blog) Being independent is doing what brings you joy and it means being strong and secure in your own person.
For me, my main source of happiness has always been moving my body. Whether that’s taking a workout class– pilates, cycling, yoga, etc. or even going for a nice long walk in the great outdoors. I am so fortunate to be living in such a beautiful area with hills, greenery, sunshine, and even bodies of water. I’ve loved going on walks lately because I am able to get fresh air, as well as listen to a podcast or any music of my choice. However, when I do take a workout class, I think it’s amazing to be in a healthy environment where you are pushed to your full potential, as well as working together with others as a team throughout the duration of the class. Movement of the body for me definitely brings me joy and sets the tone for the rest of my day.
I can and will admit that there are times when my body just doesn’t feel up for any sort of movement, so that is where my other sources of joy come in. As I stated in my first blog post, I love journaling. I love letting all of my emotions, thoughts, you name it, out onto paper. It truly feels great. I love taking myself to get a coffee or to get something to eat if I’m out. I love watching an old movie that I’ve always loved. I also love to spend time with God. Over the past few months, I’ve been so in tune with my faith than I ever have before. I love reading my daily devotion and reading the Bible verse that comes with it. It is so peaceful when I am in those moments– just God and I. I pray to Him often and try to understand His word more and more each day.
As for self-care, I make sure to incorporate it into my day, every single day. Whether that's my morning and night skincare, going to get a massage, getting my nails done, or even styling my hair differently. Self-care is so important to me because it brings me joy. The idea of self-care is about replenishing your resources without depleting someone else’s. Self-care is a means of restoring your own energy, which then promotes healthy physical and emotional well-being.
Self-care and independence go hand-in-hand. Whatever it is that brings you joy, and whatever it is that makes you feel at peace, do that. <3