Watching my Garden Grow

Here's a challenge: Can you come up with a list of 30 things you like to do?
Sound easy? It's not, at least not for me.

Let me back up. I was reading a blog this morning that was timely for me: "Remembering to take care of you."

I need that reminder often. Like most women, I tend to take care of everyone else first and place myself at the end of the line. By the time I get to me, I am plumb worn out.

As part of my transition to a life more balanced and lived more thoughtfully, I have been making an effort to be more loving to myself. I am taking a full range of vitamins and minerals to balance myself physically. I am exploring different ways to exercise given my limitations with time, and some injuries.

I am learning to cook new things and incorporate healthy choices in my meals. I go to bed earlier and if I crave a nap, I give myself permission to have one.

I take care of my skin; slathering on sunscreen, wearing a hat and sunglasses whenever I'm outside for an extended period of time. Yes, I am taking better care of my physical self, but the garden is only half

tended. Now I need to plant some flowers.

I tend to neglect the emotional self- ignoring danger signals that I am getting overwhelmed and burned out. I stuff down the negative feelings, and push aside the need to spend some time alone in meditation and introspection.

I need time to sit with myself. To quietly explore my dreams, frustrations and goals both big and small. I need to spend more time doing things I enjoy in order to feed the dreams and calm the soul.

So I am going to spend the rest of today mulling this over and creating my list. It may take me a little while to think of 30 things, but it's attainable. Thirty flowers to plant in my garden.

Watch me bloom...