Self-care bootcamp

Ok, so I'm temporarily re-doing my blog. For the next three weeks, I will be putting myself through self-care bootcamp to try to hit the reset button on my mood. Self-care for me is all about activities: doing things I used to love to do that I've given up on in the last year, spending more time with friends, checking in with my self instead of always trying to power through everything. 

Why do you need self-care bootcamp, Claire??

Let me paint my last week for you, with just a touch of background information. I've written about boyfriend before, but I haven't written anything about how hard long distance relationships are. It's been wearing on us lately, we've both been rather unkind to each other, and I don't know if we can forgive each other. The tricky thing is: we were planning for me to move to his city when I graduate- and I finish school in 34 days. Pressure is on, folks. 

So that's the place I'm in leading up to this week. Then a family member of mine went into the hospital. Then, on Tuesday, I learned that a family member was engaging in illegal activities and I didn't know what to do with that information. Then, on Wednesday, I had a crisis session go extremely wrong. And then I cracked. 

And THEN I learned how cruel (or persuasive, I guess, it depends how this turns out) the universe can be. I got a job interview for a position I applied for in my ex's city. 34 days away from the end. I can't really turn that interview down. Thanks, universe! 

This week had me running to my counselor with my tail between my legs and shame on my face- I haven't been to see her in months and months when I really should have been going regularly with all the stress in my life. She very quickly outlined a couple things that were happening. Things I'd been doing a great job ignoring. Here they are:

1. I have a "yes" problem. I love my job and take on things I shouldn't. I'm not big on giving myself breaks. One of my intern successors has the same problem, so I hope she'll read this and learn from my mistakes. You shouldn't burn out in your internship year. 

2. I'm not enjoying things or people as much as I was enjoying them six months ago. 

3. I haven't seen my counselor in over four months. I know I said that already, but it's a clear indicator that I haven't been taking care of my self the way I should be. Getting into counseling is taxing and difficult, you really do have to put on your own oxygen mask before helping anyone else. 

4. I'm not very accepting of the stage of life that I'm in. I work way too hard to pretend to be an adult, when I'm really just not there yet. 

5. No matter how much I love and accept my clients even while they're breaking down, I'm still very embarrassed and ashamed to admit when I'm breaking down myself. 

Obviously, these things need corrected. And fast. Whatever happens with this interview, it will be the start of the next stage of my life. The interview that I have is in approximately three weeks. If i do ever see him again, that's when I'll see the boyfriend.  Self-care bootcamp it is. I'm looking forward to the next three weeks! It'll be fun, who doesn't enjoy getting back in touch with themselves? I have some goals. 

Do three art-related activities.

Six walks on six different trails. 

Learn two new songs. 

Actually finish one of the four books I'm in the middle of. 

At least ten yoga sessions. 

One night if live music, from a band I've never heard of before. 

Rearrange the furniture in my room and office. 

Go see a movie by myself. 

Document everything. 

Be brave and Post this blog on my Facebook where more than three people will see it! 

Ok that's it. I know this post has been kind of heavier than my usual spunky self, but... That's kind of the point, right? From here on out, it's all activities and pictures!