I had been told it is a thing

All through seminary, almost every professor and everypastor I looked up to said two words – self-care! I blew this off. What did they mean? Sounds self-explanatory. Perhaps it sounds easy and undoubtedly it is easier for some than others.

Let me confess, its not an easy thing for me. In fact every time my mentor and I say farewell she says “Kelly take care of you”!

I feel as if the word is out…I don’t do self care well. I care for others: my children, my grandchildren, I try to care for my husband, I care for my friends, I care for my colleagues, I care for my church members and guess who is missing? You got it ME.

Let me go so far as to say I confess I even preach and constantly talk about taking care of yourself. Inviting caregivers all the time to find ways to take care of themselves, or they wont be able to care for there loved ones. Guess what?? I don’t preach that to myself or if I do it is not taken to heart.

So I have been thinking of something lately (well lots of things) God cares for me and God longs for me to take care of myself so I can continue to take care of the people that have been entrusted to my care – pastorally or personally.

I write to say I’m trying this new thing in my life – I am trying and dare I go so far as to say, I am doing it! At least so far and we all have to start someplace. I’m sure I will stumble, likely even fall and some of you will pick me up and remind me to take care of myself, because you care for me.

Finishing my writing and defense of my Doctorate and walking across that stage afforded some extra time, at least for now. I have less intense reading to do and no writing deadlines. No constant stress and thoughts to consume my every waking moment, which has been most every minute.

I’m attempting to tackle meditation, going to the gym, knitting again, coloring, doing mindful lettering, playing the piano, looking at my trumpet, walking in nature and even reading scripture for my own personal growth.

Come along on the journey, that is my invitation to you. Sure you may have heard of the concept of self-care – let me say, I think its worth it. What do you do to take care of yourself? What do you want to do? Where can you start? Take care of you.