Baby Steps: Part Two
The other day I went to bed determined to wake up the next day and do it all. When I woke up the next morning, I realized I needed to adjust my goal to being able to just do some of it all, and succeed at what I would do. So, I chose to focus on just one thing; self-care.
I woke up and went through my day taking care of myself and my body, and went to bed feeling successful and accomplished and ready to take on the next day.
Today, I woke up ready to do some of it all, and decided to take another baby step toward getting back into my normal, stable routine.
I continued with the baby step of self-care that I made yesterday, and today added the baby step of doing a few chores.
I woke up, drank a glass of water and took my medication and vitamins, and ate breakfast. I didn't exercise today because my sisters were in town, but plan on getting back at it on Monday. I may take weekends off of exercising, but am not sure yet.
So I fueled and hydrated my body and took all necessary medications and vitamins. I cleaned the litter boxes and then washed my face and got dressed. This is just a baby step, but it felt like a big step and a big accomplishment to me. I can't remember the last time I got dressed before 4pm, and haven't kept up with my facial care regimen in weeks. I am so proud of myself for doing both within an hour of each other, and doing both at the start of my day.
I also threw a load of laundry in, but didn't finish it so I'm not sure if I should consider that a 'win' or not.
So, two baby steps down. I'm going to continue with these two baby steps for a few days, and then add a few more; putting on makeup, doing more than two chores, exercising for a certain amount of time everyday, allotting a certain amount of time for schoolwork. It seems like a lot to manage, but I know if I take baby steps to get there, I can do it.
Baby steps are important because I get overwhelmed and anxious so easily. When I am presented with too many tasks, whether they be self-care related or chore related, I shut down, and do nothing. Taking each day one moment at a time will help me get into a healthy and stable routine, and will also help my daughter see what stability looks like.
She has her own routine; wake, walk, breakfast, play, nap, wake, lunch, play, dinner, play, bath, books, snack, bed. I hope through the making of my own routine I will be able to encourage her to keep to her routine as she grows. We both function so well under a strict routine, and the fact that we've both been out of it for the past three months has really shown through our moods.
There are so many benefits to sticking to a routine, and it is beneficial to take baby steps to get there. I'll be taking baby steps while battling depression and anxiety, which makes my baby steps feel like I'm trudging through cement. Though it will be difficult, I am determined, and I know I am strong. I can do this. I can take baby steps.
