Four Girls Later

Before you read any further, this one is total practicality. I even struggled putting this out there because I consistently questioned myself if perhaps I am the only one that thinks this way.

I once read a thread about a person with “very bad anxiety” struggling with the idea of going into SUBWAY®. This poster was asking someone to give them a how-to of ordering. A reply came in the form of a kind stranger giving a step-by-step explanation without any pretense.

Recently, I realized that in the hustle and bustle of taking care of my family, there are many many things within my hierarchy of self-care that have gone by the wayside. I’m not talking about split ends and painted fingernails. For the record – I do think these things can absolutely be a part of your self care routine. Interestingly, often these things can be more easily prioritized. I’m not entirely sure if it’s because they make you feel better or if it’s because they are a part of the “seen” that our culture so values. Probably both? The unseen is what I’m referring to today. The realization that says, “holy cow I haven’t done any preventative care in a long time” unseen. And when you’re trying to put those pieces back together, often times it can feel overwhelming. To me, it is the proverbial equivalent of every laundry basket full, piles of laundry on the floor, and smelly laundry that has been sitting in the wash for an undesirable amount of time. Just like the laundry:

1. You have to start small.
2. It might take a bit of time to get caught up.
3. There will likely be more to do once you get to the end of your list.

So like that kind stranger giving a play by play of ordering a footlong sandwich, here’s the list I made myself. This list is formulated specifically as a person that ironically values the importance of preventative medicine. No actually not ironically. Prevention is so important, but so is prioritizing ME for that prevention.

Doctors
◦ Primary Care Provider. Schedule your annual checkup
◦ Gynecologist – schedule your annual well-woman exam
◦ Ophthalmologist – schedule an eye exam
◦ Dentist – schedule a dental cleaning
◦ Dermatologist – schedule a skin examination

Now for the hard part. Keep these appointments. Schedule them far enough apart that it’s not as overwhelming. Just look one appointment at a time. Actually go. Quiet the voice that says I can put this off by reminding yourself that you are worthy of being taken care of. You are worthy of health and wellness.

I know this is a drop in the bucket of total health and wellness, but we’ve got to start somewhere! Take care of yourself sweet friend! In the midst of prioritizing everyone else, you’re worthy too!

Shine your light.

Xoxo,

Sara