Soul Homework

The Care and Keeping of Me

Kari

I’m currently reading the book Write a Poem, Save Your Life. It wasn’t on my library list, also known as my to-be-read list, also known as a TBR list.

I discovered the book while meandering the aisles of my local library. Meandering the aisles of my local library has become a post-pandemic-lockdown hobby of mine. It means so much to me because during the lockdown, I used my library and its interlibrary loan system more than ever. During that time, my library saved both my sanity and my soul.

I didn’t realize how much I missed browsing the aisles until it was taken away. Now that it’s back, it feels like a guilty pleasure. Stuffing book after book into my rainbow book bag. Inhaling the scent of paper and old book leather.

This simple act has become one of the ways I take care of myself. It’s how I show myself compassion.

The author of the poetry book I discovered gives prompts to urge the reader to write, mostly poems. My poetry tends to come out as blog posts, so here we are.

In one prompt, she suggests writing an instruction manual for someone who might be taking care of you. Consider yourself a new car or a plant sitting on a nursery shelf.

These are the things required to help me grow. To nurture me so I can thrive.

This is the care and keeping of me.

 

Creativity in the form of writing

 Sometimes I sit down to write and no one will ever read it. No blog, no audience, no sense of what it’s supposed to become. Just a page and whatever is underneath the surface that day.

When I write for myself, I don’t shape it the same way. I don’t explain as much. I say things I wouldn’t normally say out loud, and I don’t stop to think about how they’ll land. It becomes less about being understood and more about getting it out of me.

I still feel connected to the version of me who has always written publicly, but this private space has shown me something I didn’t realize I was missing. A place where nothing has to be held up or made ready for anyone else.

 

Reading

 Reading is not just reading for me. It’s the wandering through the library, the pulling of books off shelves, the quiet satisfaction of picking up something I placed on hold days or weeks ago. Even when I don’t finish what I bring home, I leave feeling like I made time for myself in a way that matters. Like I chose myself in a small, uncomplicated way.

 

Photo by Elviss Railijs Bitu0101ns on Pexels.com

Music

Music is almost always part of my day. Not as background noise, but something I use intentionally. The way I use music is the way some people use lighting or incense to shift the room I’m in. I’ll keep changing songs until the space feels more settled, or until I feel more settled in my own body. It feels less like entertainment and more like something I respond to as I go.

 

Family and friends

 I do best in smaller circles. Large groups can feel overwhelming, but there are a few people I can be with where I don’t feel like I have to adjust myself. I’ve learned to pay attention to that now, instead of overriding it.

 

Pets

If I’m honest, I would probably fill every corner of my house with animals if I could. My dogs are always in the middle of whatever I’m doing, pulling me out of my thoughts and back into the moment. They shape the rhythm of my day in small ways—letting them out, letting them in, responding to whatever they need next. There’s something about their presence that softens a room without asking anything back.

 

When I finished the exercise, I realized that an instruction manual for a person isn’t really about rules. It’s more about noticing what helps you stay okay, and allowing that to matter.

I wonder what yours would look like.

Discover more from A Grace Full Life

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

39 thoughts on “The Care and Keeping of Me”

    1. Yes! This isn’t generally a book I would choose but I’m so glad I did. There were many writing prompts throughout her book that I am still working on. Some I intend to publish, while others will remain in my private notes.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. You have pretty much nailed it on the list. I would add painting/drawing/sewing one or all of my crafty items daily also cooking something new at least once a week. The pandemic has brought out the chef in me. Good to really consider what is necessary in life and what is not. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. My instruction manual includes my morning pages from “The Artists Way,” morning prayer, walk, a swim or bike ride a few days a week, and quiet time to read.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. My best friend gave me The Artist’s Way as a present and said it would change my life. I started blogging and landed a weekly parenting advice column after that!

        Liked by 1 person

  8. I share much of your list, and would add “non-boring physical activity”, as in not a treadmill at the gym. Golf and pickleball work for me. Pickleball is my favorite- a weird name for a sport, it is a cross between racketball and tennis, played on a small court. Perfect for the mature exerciser.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m not a fan of the treadmill either. I get bored very easily with exercise, so I need to find something that holds my interest. I’ve never tried Pickleball but I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun.

      Like

  9. At the moment on the daily reading affirmations, reading blogs, going to the gym, doing something remotely creative, reading magazines of all types at lunch, listening to music and podcasts. On the weekend, doing as much art as possible, taking day trips, recording multiple podcast episodes, going to the gym

    Liked by 1 person

  10. I definitely need time in nature and sunshine (when it can be found!), time with my family and friends, and lots of good books and good food. Whoever is taking care of me better force me to exercise because, while I hate it, I always feel so much better after a workout.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. I love this list, and I require most of the same things. Also, you’d need to feed me sweets at least three times a week, the closer to homemade the better!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Your list is my list! Ok maybe not the writing part but otherwise *kisses fingers* parfait! Just a few adds:
    1) country soundscape (vs. city or suburb soundscapes – in the country, sometimes you can hear your neighbors but mostly you just hear nature.)
    2) a kitchen table/breakfast nook area surrounded by big windows with a relaxing view of nature. I adore working on a project, items sprawled out across the table with expansive views of nature around me. The best!
    3) beautiful things every day. Pottery, linens, tea in a pretty mug or teacup, hand made afghans…. I’m not a clutter bug but I can now admit I like my pretty, frivolous, use them every day objects. Breakable *and* hand wash only? Sign me up!
    For years I lived without nature, pets, etc and I was so unhappy. A few years ago I began consciously adding back all the things I loved as a kid (your whole list!) and now life has so much more joy. And it is so much simpler.
    What a lovely idea to get people thinking about what makes *them* happy & not what makes their peers or family or resume happy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kisses fingers…I LOVE THAT.

      Country soundscapes. Yes. I’m in Central Illinois for a few days visiting Anna, and the GPS took me off the interstate at one point, which I didn’t mind. I rolled down my windows and drove down those back roads, listening to those country soundscapes, and thanking the Universe for the detour. :)

      Yes to the windows and nature! I can picture all that you described.

      Oh, I adore how you added in everything you were missing. I’m crying happy tears for you.

      Like

  13. All the same, Kari! I don’t necessarily have to write every single day, but at least several times a week. I do have to read every single day though. I also need to stretch and/or do some yoga every day. My friends have definitely saved my sanity during the pandemic. Even when we could only meet outside at first and sit far apart, it was still always worth it.

    xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes to all of this! I love that we have all of the same things in our instruction manuals!
      I forgot to include exercise in my manual. I’ve been exercising five to six days a week since May, and it’s been very fulfilling even if it doesn’t always feel that way in the moment. Ha!

      Like

  14. I chuckled at someone needing to take you outside if we are in charge of you. I can lose time in a bookstore (particularly the used one by my home) or the library. I also get tightening the circle. I have less time for nonsense and demanding types.

    Hmm. This is a great topic. Sorry I’m so late to the discussion. Life refuses to slow down. I would say good GF food, something funny to watch or read, time and weather appropriate for working out outside, a good night sleep, time for my rosary podcast, a daily meal with my family when we have time to enjoy each other and share many laughs, and a clean house that was not cleaned by me. Asking for the moon on that last one.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I love this post! Yes to every single thing on your list–especially the library browsing. I have missed that so much. Our libraries are just now opening back up, and I can’t wait until I can go and browse the shelves. I have often felt that the universe speaks to me through the new books shelf. :-)

    Liked by 1 person

  16. I love this post! Yes to every single thing on your list–especially the library browsing. I have missed that so much. Our libraries are just now opening back up, and I can’t wait until I can go and browse the shelves. I have often felt that the universe speaks to me through the new books shelf. :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. As a precaution, when our libraries first opened, they would only let us be inside for 30 minutes at a time. Nonetheless, it was glorious. I am happy your libraries are also opening up. I know how important libraries are to you too. By the way, both of your comments came through this time. :)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I don’t trust that it’s gone through unless I get the message that it’s waiting for moderation. So, if I don’t get that I submit it again. (I’ve learned to copy the comment before I click on the “post comment” button.) It seems to work differently with different devices, and I’ve got three that I use to read online with. Maybe I’ll have time to better figure this out now! :-)

        Liked by 1 person

  17. I LOVE that pic of Buddy and Biscuits; it’s everything!
    Me?
    I also require music. All.day.long.
    Family and close friends; I need to hear, text, see them every day. But also like you, the circle is tight and small. Just perfect for me.
    My dogs. Oh how I love them. I’ve not mentioned it lately, but I’m still totally obsessed with Lillie; she’s MY heart dog!
    I also love some comfort food daily and some good wine here and there.
    Also, butterflies and flowers. You knew that.
    I’m glad you are doing well and enjoying your library!
    XO

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love it too. I’m getting more pictures of the two of them closer together. I love that.

      I can’t exist without music. I get very grumpy if I don’t have it. Hence, why it is on my manual.

      Aww. I love that. Heart dog. I might steal that term.

      Comfort food and BOOZE. Holy hell, how did I not add that??

      Butterflies and flowers. YES. I visited Anna at her college town for a few days, and when I got back, my flowers looked so much bigger. So did the dogs and Ella! :)

      I am doing really well! I hope you are doing well too! Xoxo

      Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.