I'm a huge fan of this newsletter that I receive each day in my work inbox called The Good Trade's The Daily Good newsletter. They have mouthwatering recipes, incredible playlist and podcast suggestions, and sustainable goods suggestions that are out of my budget yet out of this world. A girl can dream. Everything feels so elevated and modern, sensible, and sublime when you read the clean black text on the eggshell background, adorned with images of sliced lemons or an uncluttered bedroom.
Since the beginning of the year, they began creating these list of 99 things. 99 words of self affirmation, 99 this and 99 that. In today's newsletter they shared a list of 99 Inexpensive self-care ideas for the new year. I loved the ideas, and many of them are free, like the first suggestion, wash your bedding, towels, robes, and curtains. Once you've re-fitted them in their proper places, breathe deeply. Remind yourself that stagnancy and sadness aren't permanent. We all just need a tumble-dry sometimes." If the task feels overwhelming, break it up across multiple days. Wash and dry the bedding one day, the towels, the next then the robe and the curtains on the third.
The suggestions are not novel, but how they are so thoughtfully framed feels fresh. In reorganizing your closet, do it with the intention of "engaging your creativity in order to enjoy your daily routines more thoroughly." Wow! Focus your attention on the moment, mindfully.
Self care is not all bubble baths and chocolate. It is doing the things we do not want to do, but we know are good for ourselves. For me that bedding suggestion rang so true, as did reorganizing my closet, or moving the furniture around a bit. First thing in the morning, nor the middle of the day, nor evening do I want to do these things. I do not want to do them in a hat, nor with my cat*. However when reframed as a positive for my world and my experience in it...well you've got me.
Try these on and let me know how they feel to you. Also subscribe to the Good Trade's The Daily Good. You will not be disappointed.
*I do not have a cat. It just rhymed nicely.
