“Finding me” can be exciting, yet painful for the parts of us that were lost. Here are some ways to stay in touch with the precious part of the innocence that exists within you — from supportive self-talk to simple behaviors that help in small ways every day.
Take a day trip to the beach, lake or river with someone you care for and who cares for you. Or enjoy on your own. Take time to watch the water, dream rest, breathe in the fresh air. Go fishing if you like. Swim in the lake. Feel the elements all around you, lap them up, take deep breaths. Sit and play with water and sand. Build a castle, dig a deep hole, cover your legs with sand. Lie back and look at the sky. Nature is a great healing source for our pain and wounds.
> Second of two parts on Finding “me.” Read part 1.
Go to a playground. Swing on the swings. Play on the slide. Listen to the laughter of the children.
Go on a picnic. Bring a friend. Sit in a park. Take a picnic basket and tablecloth. Spread out delicious tidbits to eat and enjoy. Lie under a big tree. Look up the vast sky. Breathe deeply.
Play catch with a friend. Play baseball or basketball. Exercise a little every day.
Engage in mindful walking. Notice the details of all the beauty around you. Flowers, plants. Listen to the birds. Feel the wind.
Baths. Take a long one. Use bath salts to soothe your body. Indulge.
Play a video game. Keep a note of the time you spend and be mindful of stepping away after a set period.
Get regular massages. Half an hour or an hour, whatever you can afford. Or buy a massage wand.
Change your eating habits. Three daily meals and healthful snacks. Take appropriate vitamins (check with your doctor).
Plant seeds, veggies or flowers in your garden or on your windowsill if you live in an apartment. See how they slowly begin to grow as you nurture them.
Carry mints or hard candy. Suck on them when you are starting a new project or job.
Listen to music. Listen to jazz. At night, listen to lullabies.
Buy a stuffed animal. Keep it with you. Sit it on your passenger seat as you go to work. If it’s little, keep it in your bag or in your pocket. Stroke it every now and then.
Light candles. Buy different sizes. Light them day and night, sometimes.
Buy a water fountain or a table water fountain. Listen to the running water with your eyes closed. Find beautiful stones to place around it.
Spend a weekend in a monastery or at a spiritual retreat.
Dance to loud music. Sing at the top of your voice!
Say, “Good morning!” to people as you go to work or school.
Go to dinner with a friend. Talk about yourself. Talk about your friend. Support one another.
Take naps.
Drink hot herbal tea. (Chamomile is very soothing, or mint tea to pep you up)
Smell flowers.
Go to the toy store. Buy a toy. Play with it.
Keep a photograph of you as a child. A reminder to yourself that you are not alone.
Keep a photo of your children or other loved ones by your bed or in your wallet. View this photo often. You are loved and can return that love.
Look in the mirror. Do not look away. Hold your precious gaze.
Remind yourself that you’re special and you are loved.
Photo: lkdegen