I’ve always found that tracking my progress in a chart usually doesn’t work well
for me. Maybe it’s because of my rebellious, independent streak, but they seem too rigid to me. I miss a day of exercise and they seem to frown at
me, with a glaring blank spot where my day's report ought to be.
However, I also lose track of the things I
know I need to do if I want to take good care of myself. So over time I’ve
developed this chart, and it’s working really well for me. I thought you might find it useful.
On a whiteboard, down the left hand side, I have symbols
for the self-care things I want to remind myself to do. Up top, I have the days
of the week. Every week I erase the squares and redraw them. Neatness is not
required! (obviously).
My reminders include doing tai
chi, swimming, eating vegetables, taking my supplements, being in nature,
resting, meditating, playing music, and connecting deeply with the beloveds in
my life.
There are no 'shoulds'. This week I haven’t danced
yet, and I haven’t been taking my medicinal tea. Everything else is going
pretty well. So, hey, not bad, I say.
If I’m just wandering around
listlesslessly, or bored, I check out my chart and see what I haven’t done yet
today, of my possible self-caring things. And I pick one.
Let me know if you have different ways of using it or tweaking it, I’d be interested!
Happy New Year!
