Weekend Warrior
I love the invention of weekends. One 24 hour “break” from our normal routine is often not enough to rest and regroup our earthly selves. Whether your weekend includes the standard Saturday and Sunday, or falls on two other consecutive days in a week, it has been my experience that a time period of at least 48 hours is required when seeking to regenerate your entire being. We may not have the opportunity to take advantage of every weekend in this manner, but scheduling at least one “weekend” for yourself (every now and then) can work wonders.
It is often the “selfish” acts of a good witch that create a benefit to those that she lives, works, and meets with. Most of us have heard this advice at least a million times before, but often fail to heed these brilliant words.
“It’s important to take care of yourself, first and foremost.”
It seemed that this wisdom was offered to me on a regular basis when my kids were younger. I always thought that this statement was just a polite method of providing comfort to a young mother who appears to be physically and emotionally spent. The wisdom was appreciated, but I never really knew what “taking care of myself” would entail. I had some ideas, but they did not originate with me. Even if I did have some inkling of what I would require in order to take care of myself, I sure the hell did not have the time for it.
In any case, you do not necessarily have to be a full-time parent to have heard this advice offered on occasion. A timely message can be communicated through various means. Perhaps the next time that you hear these words, you could regard it as a reminder from Higher Self to discover (and remember) the appropriate care that your entire being requires in order to expand.
The details of SELF care are determined by you. For me, the process has produced a more lasting effect when I address all aspects of what I consider to comprise my ‘entire’ being.
There are several theories regarding the particular elements that comprise one’s entirety. Most of these assessments suggest that our being includes the body, mind, and spirit. Myself, I have always preferred the notion that there is a fourth aspect that includes the heart (or the core) of an individual. Some would argue that this is what ’spirit’ is, while I prefer to recognize Spirit in more of a collective sense.
I think of Spirit as the Oneness that we all have a connection to, whereas the ‘heart’ defines my individual soul aspect and the personal nature of Spirit. When I regard the ‘core’ being as a separate aspect, I find that I am able to wrap my brain around the comprehension of a certain space that resides within. This space would be where free will, choice, and private emotion exist. (This is most likely due to the fact that my big, fat, out-of-proportion mind likes to over-analyze everything, and therefore, finds satisfaction in creating a separate element to include for evaluation.)
HOWEVER you may perceive the aspects of your individual being, designating a 48 hour period to take care of yourself is most productive when you address each part of your SELF. The body may need comfort, the mind may need stimulation (or QUIETING), the spirit may need nourishment in the form of appreciation, and the heart and soul may need the personal attention of your complete awareness.
The first day of your mini-vacation will most likely be comprised of the actual preparation necessary in order to allow yourself the time that you will need on the second day. It seems that it is within this second 24-hour period that one can actually EXPERIENCE the personal process of effective self-care. When my children were younger, I know that it was practically impossible for me to unwind and rejuvenate in one 24 hour period. Being granted a “day off” seemed never enough time.
By the time that I figured out that shopping alone for an afternoon, or taking a bath without hearing someone call “mommy” for a few precious moments, were mere FRAGMENTS of the time that I really needed, it seemed as if my “day off” was over. It took several years of trial and error to realize that the genuine benefit of “time to yourself” requires that an adequate portion of that time be used to adequately prepare!
When the budget is tight, or the babysitters are scarce, or the roommate won’t leave for two days, this is the time to be a creative weekend warrior. Consciously project your intention to partake in some “solitary time” and often the opportunities to schedule a “selfish” weekend will appear. It is often when you expect compliance, understanding, and compassion from any vested parties, that you will get it. Roommates can mysteriously get invited to join someone on a weekend adventure, or husbands may suddenly feel a need to take the kids to visit Grandma for a few days.
In any event, once you are able to mark your “weekend” on the calendar, the prospect of what you will do with your time is personal.
Enjoy it. It is your gift to you.
