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When I came across the term Radical Self-Care in Almost Everything, Notes On Hope by Anne Lamott (2018), I thought of both moms and childcare providers and how much we need that sort of thing.
Anne Lamott has been one of my favorite authors since my friend gave me a copy of Operating Instructions (1993). She never fails to amaze me with her truth and compassion. Here's her definition of Radical Self-Care, found on twitter.
Radical self-care is the secret of joy, resistance, freedom. When we care for ourselves as our very own beloved—with naps, healthy food, clean sheets, a lovely cup of tea—we can begin to give in wildly generous ways to the world, from abundance.
@ANNELAMOTT
To me and hopefully, to you, Radical Self-Care means getting down to the basics and giving ourselves the care, love, and attention that we should have had from the very beginning of our lives. But this time, doing it for ourselves.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas for Radical Self-Care but please create your own and never, ever let anyone make you feel guilty about caring for yourself in the best way you know how.
Cook yourself a 5-course meal and serve it on your best dinnerware.
Eat organic vanilla ice cream for dinner in your favorite PJ’s on the couch.
Watch a Cold Case marathon till you fall asleep.
Fill a room with sand, a kiddie pool, lawn chairs, and full-spectrum lighting. Read for hours.
Exercise in your favorite way for 40 minutes the first thing every morning.
Refuse to take things personally.
Believe in yourself even when others question you.
Sleep on your own schedule and eat healthy food when you're hungry.
Take a slow walk in the sun.
Watch Beauty and The Beast
Spend more time looking at family photos and talking about them.
Tell your family you're taking 30 minutes to yourself for teatime and rejuvenation and close the door!
Make up your own mind about whether or not you want to attend a function.
Go for a walk when you know you should be writing.
Get creative and make some rocks!
If it makes you feel lighter, happier, and more able to cope with stress when you're done, you know it was Radical Self-Care at its best. Send us your ideas for Radical Self-Care, we'd love to hear them!
Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY! (click on the word) She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She has presented at statewide and nationwide conferences. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.