friday nights are therapeutic

Last year when I was dealing with some pretty bad anxiety problems I learned a lot about myself.  Along the way, and with the help of an amazing Christian therapist, I learned to love myself more and more and give myself grace.  It seems so simple to type this now, but when I think about what it really means to "give myself grace" my mind starts going to all the places in my life that I need to let go.  

One thing that I knew I needed to start doing more of but had a very challenging time doing was self-time.  Self-time is basically what it sounds like, taking time for your self and doing something that will fill you up.  This doesn't mean cleaning the house or running that errand so I can check it off my list.  It does mean finding something that I thoroughly enjoy that I can reasonably do.  As much as I'd like to list "pedicures" as my self-time, I just couldn't spend that money every week.  Along the way through the journey that I went to, I found things that I love to do, that make me feel good about myself, and that cost little to no money.  

And this Friday night I realized that I've been missing out on the easiest ever self-time.  You see, the Mr. works until at least 10pm every Friday night.  Usually that means I come home from work, throw on my stretchy pants, and lay on the couch for a solid three hours.  This is truly something that only happens on Friday nights.  I started feeling guilty about the fact that I was being "wasteful" with my Friday nights by spending them doing absolutely nothing.  So I resolved that Friday nights would be my laundry nights.  And two weeks ago, I set out to make that happen only to come home utterly exhausted.  Needless to say, laundry didn't happen.  

This Friday night was a bit different.  I planned on going to a yoga sculpt class, and then I decided I should make myself some dinner and not just eat leftovers.  So I preceded to do just that.  Yoga was cleansing, challenging, and left me oh so sweaty.  Just what I love!  After yoga, I ran to the store to grab last minute ingredients and then decided that tonight would be my "self-time" night.  So I swung by Redbox, grabbed a movie, and headed home.  

On the menu was Oh She Glow's falafel with a twist with tahini-lemon dressing.  Cooking is my release, and it brought me so much joy to cook just for myself.  

Afterwards I decided a sweet treat was necessary to enjoy with the movie so I opened THE FIRST can of pumpkin (because it needs to be documented) and made a two-minute pumpkin pie.  

Then I propped my feet up, grabbed a spoon, and watch the movie fully engaged.  There was no computer open, no emails to respond to, no Instagram.  And it was in that moment that I had cared for myself so much that night-emotionally and physically.   And that is how I intend to spend my Friday nights from now on!  I highly encourage you to find where you are treating yourself, taking care of yourself, and filling yourself up!