We all have a basic need for love, nurturing, and kindness. It starts with taking care of ourselves. I think it is especially important during stressful or challenging times to make an exra effort to step back, ease up on ourselves, and just be gentle.

I am experiencing one of those challenging times myself right now. Although I have a lot of absolutely wonderful things going on, I am also a school teacher- and if any of you are in public education you may be able to relate that it is just not easy right now. Many of my colleagues and myself included are feeling quite beaten down already and it is not even Christmas yet. I also have a thirteen year old daughter whose mood swings can be stressful on the whole family.

As a centering tool, I like to journal in the morning. Sometimes I focus on gratitude, or a particular intention I want to set for my day. This morning I am feeling the need to focus on ways to be kind to myself. I give so much of myself to my students during my work day. I know I will have more to offer them (and my family later in the evening) if I take this time now.

So, getting out my journal, my entry would look something like this. 

I am going to be kind to myself today. I set an intention now to:

1. take this time now for my journal writing before getting dressed for work.
2. don’t rush on my drive this morning (I have a 25 mile commute).Enjoy my XM radio.
3. Breathe deep and slowly.
4. Walk into my school building knowing that I am a terrific teacher. I will smile with the thought of it.
5. Enjoy my students. Don’t worry about the other stuff.
6. Actually take my lunch time for myself rather than working through it.
7. Do not bring work home this evening.
8. Take a nice walk on the beach this afternoon when I am home from work.
9. Know that I am enough and I am doing my best.
10. Take a bath tonight.
11. Work on writing my wedding vows (I am getting married in March).This always makes me happy.
12. Prepare a delicious fish dinner tonight while listening to my jazz music and drinking my Pinot Noir.

I will stop there but I am feeling better already.

Now, you do it : )

I wish you, my dear friends, a wonderful day!

Debra : )

Related Posts:

• Three journal writing prompts for this morning
• A morning journal gratitude list
• Heart, What Do You Have To Tell Me? (A journal writing exercise).
• This evening, I Am these thirteen things…a wonderful journal writing exercise!
• Sweet is… a journal writing exercise