A large part of curating your own life is taking care of #1. As I get older, I find taking time for myself is a learned skill. And not one I’m very good at. If I don’t, I become a grouchy, stressed out disorganized mess. As a woman, I think it’s easy for us to lose ourselves in our routines and relationships. I can’t imagine how hard it is to find solitude when you have a family!
I NEED solitude to recharge, reorganize and redirect. It’s a major part of my creative process. The most important moments are the mundane ones, such as laundry or exercise. Unfortunately, they are also the first thrown out when my schedule becomes too demanding.
Traveling, I had all these lofty expectations of self-discovery. I drove for hours upon hours on the road but this was not relaxing or focusing on me time, it was driving (go figure). I wanted to “find myself,” like I had in my travels through South East Asia years prior. Here's an abandoned Tumblr from that trip and lovely video made by a travel mate.
In the end there wasn’t much 'finding' needed. We shouldn’t have expectations about travel, that’s the beauty of it.
A desperate need to be alone arose on the road trip. So, between Miami and New Orleans I checked into a sleepy hotel room in Panama City.
It was offseason in the popular spring break city. The hotel was a little seedy but after a lofty 8 hour drive, I didn’t mind. I strolled through the double glass door dropping shoes, a blow dryer and possibly some makeup, before finally reaching the front desk to check in. It was 1 am and I was exhausted. I took the elevator to my room in a fog. I fell, crashing into the hotel bed for a good night’s rest. The next day, I found myself writing, reading and indulging in a bath. Personal curation at it’s best.
Later, I discovered a little bar on the beach with steak tacos, cute bartenders and strong margaritas. The bartender recommended I walk the pier, where I found the coolest looking jellyfish. There are approximately 15 tequila infused photos of them.
I walked back along the beach, kicking off my shoes and feeling the beautiful white sand between my toes. Florida is know for that sand. I drank up the sunset, photographing, peacefully enjoying myself and filling my heart with the relaxing salt air.
After almost a month of sleeping on couches this was just the treat I needed. It was a stern reminder that I can’t care for others if I’m not caring for myself.
What do you do to care for yourself? How do you find the time to curate your own solitude?
