Before you read this post, I dare you to make some space in your body by:
- Rolling your shoulders back and dropping them away from your ears
- Relaxing your jaw – maybe even moving your lower jaw back and forth
- Releasing your breath with a sigh and then inhaling slowly
Okay, now that you have a little extra space in your body, let’s get back to making a little extra space in your future for you.
What can you put in place now (or at least soon) that will make it a little easier for future you to take the space that they need?
Could you clear a corner for your yoga mat to stay rolled out?
Could you make sure you are stocked up on your favourite teas?
Could you put your journal and your pens next to the space where you usually write?
Could you put a recurring ‘meeting’ on your calendar that is actually some time for you to spend doing something that refreshes you?
Could you make a playlist of songs you like or exercise videos you want to try so it is waiting for you when you need it?
Could you plan time with a friend?
Could you book an appointment with your counsellor/therapist/social worker/psychologist/chiropractor/physiotherapist/personal trainer? (Only you know which one(s) you may need in the future.)
I know that most of us *need* space in our lives for ourselves but, of course, I can’t know what kind of specific space you need – that’s up to you.
And if you also don’t know what you need, perhaps you can start with a little extra time in your schedule to write/draw/meditate/walk/roll/dance – I’m sure you will be able to figure it out as you go.
No matter what, starting out with a plan – even a very loose one – will help make you feel like making space for yourself is just one of the things you do on a regular basis. And, once you feel that way, it should get easier and easier to make that space – even if it is just a few minutes at a time.
And, of course, when I mention future you, that could be the you of 30 seconds in the future, it doesn’t just have to be the you of next week.
In fact, I hope you can find ways to make space for all of the future yous and I hope you can find ease and joy in the process – even if it gets tricky sometimes.
Here are today’s videos – for now you and future you – have fun with them!
About Making Space 2022
In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. Last year, it was my turn and after an introductory Go Team post called Give Yourself Some Space, I created a series of reminders called ‘Making Space‘ that offered a suggested short exercise video and a suggested meditation in case you needed an easy way to find space for yourself in your schedule.
For 2022, I’ll be doing the same thing but I’ll also be including a link to Martha’s post from the same date in 2020 and I’ll offer a few extra ideas for relaxation, creativity, and self-kindness here and there.
These posts are not about insisting that you do more, more, more during this busy season. Instead, I want to encourage you to remember that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and you are worth taking good care of.
Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need in the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day.
