Today women are stronger and more powerful than ever before, and I’m not just talking about the Oprah Winfreys and Meg Whitmans of the world. They’re superstars by any standard. I’m talking about everyday life.
Just take look at the women around you – or maybe at yourself. You’re a career woman, a mom, a daughter, a wife, a caregiver, a housekeeper, a lover, a financial planner – any or all of these things, and more. But juggling all these roles and aspiring to be the best you can be at all of them can be exhausting.
A part of you wants to cry out underneath your glorious superwoman cape. This is especially true during that time of the month when your body is going through its womanly thing. You cry in silence that you need a break, “I just want to be myself. No roles, no responsibilities, no expectations, just simply be a woman.”
It sounds impossible to do, especially with the 26 things on your to-do list every day. But it’s actually much simpler than you think. The first thing you need to do is to “take responsibility” for your own pleasure being. Yes, it is another responsibility, but believe me, it’s the best one you are going to have. When you are happy, everyone else is happy. So first thing’s first, right? The second thing is to recall what gives you pleasure. It doesn’t have to be big. Small things often do wonders. And you know what they are. The third thing is to schedule time to do it. I use “schedule,” not “find,” on purpose. You can schedule time, but you’ll probably never find the time, given your superwoman schedule.
Below are some simple pleasures that juice up my life and keep me singing and smiling. Maybe it will inspire you to find yours.
Stop and smell the roses
It is a cliché, but it is so true. Connecting with the nature is one of the most soothing and healing things on the planet. In the concrete jungles of a big city, you come across a thorny rose bush. Stop and suck the nectar out of its flowers, like a thirsty bee… You will be humming all day long.
Take a sensual bubble bath
At the end of a long day, or on a Saturday morning, run a generous tub with your favorite sensual scents and candles. Soak yourself in it, let the warm water wash away any tiredness and rejuvenate your skin, your senses, and your spirit. Sometimes music and reading are nice add-ons.
Cook for yourself and your loved ones
Cooking can be a drag if seen as a mundane responsibility. It can also be an expression of creativity and love. Throw away cookbooks and recipes. Experiment. Follow your intuition and make something that pleases your senses. Don’t forget to add a generous dose of love.
Go for a walk
Break up your day by taking a brisk walk or a leisure walk, by the ocean, around a lake, on a forest trail, or just around the neighborhood. Let the fresh air brush your skin, feel the rhythms of your footsteps, and let your mind go. You may be delighted to see how many good ideas bubble up from your walk.
Plant a garden
If you don’t have much nature around you, create some. If you are not the gardening type, get a tough plant that can survive pretty much anything. It’s delightful to see it smiling at you, giving out oxygen and bringing life to your environment.
Embrace the morning sun
Take 15 minutes off every morning before you jump into the soaring currents of the day. Step out and embrace the sun for a little while. Have your breakfast, sip a cup of tea, or read your favorite book. You’ll carry the sun kiss on your lips throughout the day.
Enjoy those simple pleasures as much as you can, and as often as you can.
Maha says
March 12, 2012 at 3:57 amReally great!