Self Care 101

Loud music that my friends all hate, that I can dance to on my own. Homemade guacamole and corn chips straight from the bag; eaten in front of the TV. Movies on Netflix—musicals and 80’s rom-coms I’ve watched easily a dozen times.

Therapeutic lotion slathered on my feet, hidden under thick and cozy socks. Fleece blankets and worn in pillows, their cases covered in patterns I picked out when I was maybe 12.

Skype calls with friends who’s states don’t border mine, and postcards from friends countries halfway around the world.

Long showers. Conditioner that smells good, a scent that lingers even after I rinse it out.

Books of essays and books of prose. Books about politics and books about art. Books that make me laugh and books that make me cry.

Frozen grapes, cold enough that my teeth hurt if I try and chew. Gallons and gallons of iced tea. A pack of ciders from the grocery store, trying not to get annoyed when the cashier doesn’t believe that my ID is real.

Phone calls with my family.

Writing essays about my life—pages long about anything I feel. Taking a break from writing for a while. Trying not to pressure myself too hard.

Bad jokes on twitter. Even worse snapchats that I send to my brother. Reading the articles I’ve had open in tabs on my laptop for weeks.

Taking the time to love myself even when it’s hard. Even when I feel like I don’t deserve it. Especially then.