Whenever I feel a little guilty for kicking back, a doctor friend of mine will say, “Self-care is not selfish.”
A 15-minute documentary called “Slomo,” is about a neurologist who had a mid-life crisis. When he discovered he was spending way more time thinking about material over spiritual development he also realized he didn’t like the person he had become. In a most radical move, he quit his job to “become a new person.”
He cashed in the BMW and Maserati, the mansion, and his exotic petting zoo for a studio apartment on a beach with easy access to miles of bike paths.
Today, he devotes his waking hours to perfecting roller-blading in slow motion.
He has turned from being A Very Important Man, into a nice guy.
I was as amazed as anyone to discover George W. Bush has taking up painting since stepping down as president.
In a recent TV interview he displayed many of his recent works, mostly portraits of other world leaders. He appeared very relaxed, tan and happy. His ability to pursue a passion has helped him recover the years he lost to the stress of serving the country.
WE DON’T have to wait until a mid-life crisis or retirement to start being good to ourselves.
Perhaps it’s human nature, but sometimes we don’t know how to go about it. Being a couch potato sure sounds relaxing, but it doesn’t make me feel better.
And while it seems counter intuitive, one thing that picks me up after a long week is to be with friends and family. A lot of my work is in my head, which can be very limiting. And tiring. By Friday, my inclination is to crawl in a hole. And sometimes a night of movies is OK, but I find it more rewarding if I can relax with others and find out what’s going on in their lives.
It’s good to know what things work to replenish you — both physically and mentally.
My defaults are reading and exercise. I like fiction and history best. As for exercise, I’m pretty easy; anything that gets my heart pumping.
A personal indulgence is to get a massage on a regular basis.
I also like to knit and needlepoint in small spurts. And bake bread.
When I think of Mr. Bush and the roller blade guy, though, I realize there are so many other things I want to try my hand at.
Here’s my very shallow “bucket list.”
