September 2020

Sometimes, I have absolutely no idea what to write for my monthly blog post. It’s not you; it’s me. Many times I can write about recent things that have happened, or maybe something that has been on my mind, but let’s be real – its 2020 – has anything really happened since March?!

Don’t worry; I’m good. I’m not falling apart or losing my mind, I think I just need a change of scenery or routine or something. I am not sure if I realized how much each of you energize me until I don’t get to see you all regularly. The other day I saw a woman I know in my neighborhood. We were both out on a walk, and we stopped to say hello and chat. Well, I chatted…for 10 minutes she listened to me talk her ear off and then politely said, “Well, it was nice to see you.” Yep, I guess I should have let her get a word in edgewise. 

What I am realizing is that we need some self-care. You do, I do, and we all do. Self-care comes in so many packages. It is specific to what you need to energize yourself, mentally, emotionally and physically. It is an important part of your overall health. I think for so long, we as women have been taught that if we aren’t taking care of everything…. the house, dinner/food preparations, the kids, our spouses/partners, our careers…etc., etc., the list can go on, then we aren’t doing our jobs as women. We have been taught that to do it right we must be like a superhero! Well, I am here to tell you that you ARE a superhero and you don’t have to stop taking care of yourself as a result.

Take a few moments and think about what does your self-care look like? Here is what it looks like for me:

• Exercise. You know I love it, but I also need it. I need it for the mental and stress relief and I need it for the physicality as well. It can come in all forms, walking, running, biking, weight lifting, you name it.
• A treat. To me a treat is something that I am in the mood for either food or drink wise that is not part of my meal. It might be a dessert or something like that, or it could be tasting several different types of cheese. It might be a nice glass of Cabernet at night or a sparkling water in the afternoon.
• Reading. I love to read. It’s like watching TV in your head. I enjoy both fiction and non-fiction and always have a book or two on my nightstand. Something light or something meaty, or maybe just a magazine.
• Hair. Getting my hair done every couple of months is my one big indulgence. I relax and just enjoy the time of being pampered.
• Sleep. It is important for my well-being that I get 7 ½ to 8 hours of sleep each night. Sure, I might be going to bed by 9:30p, but when I get up, I am ready to face my day. Oh, and sleep is also a nice catnap or two over the weekend. Not always, but it’s an option.

Now it’s your turn, make your self-care list and dive in. If you want to share, I’d love to hear what self-care means for you: stacy.caudill@raymondjames.com.