Treat Yourself | Atlanta Child Photographer

What I’ve found is that sometimes we all forget to be kind to ourselves. There are times when we need to take a break from our regular every day and treat ourselves. Even though I love what I do, I still know that I need to take a break every once in a while and that’s just what I did this past weekend.

Being that last week started my son’s fall break from school, it gave me the opportunity to take a little time off. Oftentimes I work a little too much and find it difficult to stop working. In case you don’t know, my son is 16 which means that I don’t have too much more time with him at home. During this time, we got the chance to eat breakfast, sometimes lunch, and of course dinner together. We had nice conversations, as well, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

In addition to being able to spend more time with my son, I also spent some time with one of my sisters and aunt. What a great time we had! My aunt cooked for us and I brought over homemade brownies. We talked and laughed and remembered such great times together. Reminiscing is always a wonderful exercise.

Regularly, I exercise about four times a week. The funny thing is that people ask me why I work out. I thought that was a ridiculous question, but ok. The reason I work out is because it’s good for me. I also drink mostly water because it’s good for me too. Do I like doing either of these things? No, but again, they are good for me. When I’m 90 I fully expect to be able to stand myself up from the toilet. Sometimes it’s the littlest things that mean the most.

Another thing that I do for me is meet my sisters and cousin for brunch every fourth Sunday. We realized at a funeral of a cousin that those were the times that the family tended to come together. We really don’t live far from each other, so there was no reason for us not to see each other. That is why we make a conscious effort to spend at least one day a month together. Lately, I have been seeing one of my sisters more often. She actually lives the closest to me, so that makes it easier.

I’ve never been really big on meditation. Not sure why. Anyway, I have taken to meditating after I work out. I usually lay on the floor after stretching and concentrate on my breathing and letting my mind relax. It helps me recuperate from my workout and refreshes my spirit. Since I’m not much of a wine drinker, that isn’t my go-to relaxation either but give me some hot tea. Now you’re cooking! There are plenty of people who just want time to themselves which is fine. The thing is, I am by myself the majority of the time so, when I can hang out with people I enjoy, it’s a wonderful thing. Me time doesn’t have to be just me.

Well, those are the ways I take time for myself. What do you do to fill your cup? I would really love to know. Who knows, I might incorporate some of your rituals into my routine.

“Carve out and claim the time to care for yourself and kindle your own fire.” ~ Amy Ippoliti