Nurture

2024 has continued to bring challenges and stressors.  After a while, even the little things just start to feel like a LOT.  I finally reached a point where I realized I needed have to force myself to withdraw, slow down, and focus on myself and tending to the things that truly matter the most. 

That's why my word for May is "Nurture". 

I started by looking at the definitions of the word "Nurture".  A few of my favorites were:

• to care for and protect someone or something while they are growing and developing

• to help somebody/something to develop and be successful

• to supply with nourishment

I feel as if my health has taken a hit lately.  I continue to struggle with stomach issues.  I'm still on medication and I am scheduled for an upper endoscopy in July.  I have had to change my diet quite a bit.  I'm focusing on healthy foods that nourish my body and help to soothe my stomach and nurture my gut health.

I closed my Etsy shop over six months ago.  As the days and months go by, I have found myself feeling a little unmoored.  I'm trying to figure out what my next season of life is going to look like and I am at completely at a loss.  I'm lacking direction.  I need to start nurturing my dreams and develop some new goals for myself.

After all the stress, hurt feelings, frustration, and anxiety of the past couple of months, indeed to nurture my mental health as well. This means limiting or eliminating exposure to situations and people that don't make me feel like my best self. It also means seeking out activities and situations that nurture my sense of well-being.

The Man of the House and I started the month with a weekend on the beach near Charleston, SC.  It was nice to have time away together as a couple. A few days away from the routines and demands of daily life is a good way to nurture our relationship.

The time away was also definitely nurturing to my soul. Spending time on the beach, just listening to the waves crashing against the sand, feeling the rhythm of the tides, and watching the movement of the water is always soothing for me.  

I am trying to make a point of doing something everyday that nurtures who I am.  One day that may be writing in my journal. The next it may be listening to music I enjoy, The day after that it might look like curling up with a cup of tea and some crochet or a book. It it may be as simple as standing outside for a few minutes and feeling the sun shining on my face.

May is about focusing on the things that nurture my body, mind, and spirit. What things do you do to nurture yourself?