Friday, January 31, 2014

February Focus… Falling in Love with Me!

I didn’t make any New Year’s Resolutions for 2014, but decided that I would choose a different area of  my life to focus on each month… things that need attention…  things that I want to become new and good habits, or things I need to learn more about, or give more time.
For the month of February, my project is ME!

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I have no excuses for my lack of self care lately…  although I sure was starting to come up with a few… good ones, too!  But really, I have just neglected so many areas of my personal care and health and I have finally hit the bottom.  It has been a downward spiral over the past several months.

Now, I have never been what I would call glamorous, or elegant… but I sure took great care of myself and took the time to tend to all the little details  that made me feel good… hair, teeth, skin, nails, lips, polished shoes, stylish outfit… you know what I mean.  I like to look well put-together, even if it is in a denim jacket and jeans.  Even when I was sailing for days on end, I made sure to take care of my skin and my hair, and have fun with my clothes.

But sadly, that girl seems to have left the building... or sailed away!  And I need to find her again.

Lately I pretty much ignore my hair because it needs a cut  and  I haven’t found a new hair stylist to go to while my tried-and-true one is on maternity leave (yes we give a whole year for maternity leave in Canada) so usually I haven't been bothering with makeup or even paying much attention to what I am wearing when I leave the apartment to go for a walk or to run errands.  I am always hoping that I don’t run into anyone I know.
 
Occasionally I do paint my nails but then let the polish get chipped and look ratty for days before I do them again.  You don’t  even want to see  my feet! I barely recognize this messy, unkempt person I see in the mirror, and I really can’t say I like her very much.
 
I put off getting some dental work done while I was waiting for test results to find out if I had a suppressed immune system.  I have since had the good news that things are fine on that front, but here I am, badly in need of dental hygiene and a check up.  My dentist is in our marina town, 20 miles away and I haven't taken the time to get there.

I could go on and on… but I won’t bore you.  I will say though, that I am taking inventory and making a list of things to do for myself in February.  The pity part is over. I am on a comeback!  It is hard to put forth a positive, confident front when you just don’t feel it.

February’s focus will be on self-care… the physical and the emotional. I am going to fall back in love with ME!

I have decided that each week I will make up a list of things I want to accomplish just for ME and keep track of how I am doing with them.  And I am going to make one specific challenge each week as well.  I was a bit shy about sharing all of this, but I really think it might be the only way I actually accomplish any of it.

At the top of the to-do list… the hair style. I have been looking over these pictures of me taken since 2008 and I am just not sure where I want to go with this. I had short hair all those years on the boat because it was easy to take care of... I could even blow it and style it in the wind on days we had no power,  and then I let it grow to shoulder length and since then have had it blunt cut and layered… but I know now it is just not ME, anymore,  and I need a change. But not sure…. hmmmm.

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So here is my list for the first week of the month:

1. Make an appointment with a hair stylist 
  • print some pics to take along to new stylist

2. Outline and start a bedtime hygiene routine
  • list specific steps

3. Do a self-manicure
4. Call the dentist and make an appointment for a check-up and for hygiene
5. Re-establish lime water habit first thing in the morning
6. Clean out makeup box and replace any items that are old

Challenge for the week:

Take care of hair, makeup and clothing before leaving the apartment for any reason!  



What kind of goals have you set for the month of February?  

Do you even feel like you are just coasting and not really putting in much effort taking care of yourself?

17 comments:

  1. I actually really love this idea!! I admit I never would have guessed you felt the need to do this because I see you as so focused on loving everything about yourself and your life!

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    1. Oh I love my life, all right.. I just need to stop being so lazy about taking care of myself!

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  2. This is great! Some days I feel like all I do is take care of the girls, that's why I chose to run/workout at nights so I can do something for me every few days. I try to keep on top of hair cuts but that's where it ends. I'd love to go for a massage and just totally unwind and relax. I'm getting my hair cut in a few weeks and might just look for a new style - time for a little change!

    PS - I like the short short hair cut

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  3. This is great. I have fallen off any many areas too and I try to be more aware. I really need to revamp the wardrobe I am a guilty of wearing workout clothes even when Im not working out. Great goals can't wait to see the new hair.

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    1. Thanks, Kirsten. I have been doing a bit of 'girly' clothes shopping myself. Can't be in workout gear all the time... as comfy as it is!

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  4. I so get this! I too have been letting little things slip. But little things add up. I finally (after a year) got my hair cut. I NEED to make an eye appt. I am doing it now! Thanks for the inspiration!

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    1. Hi Marcia... I remember when you posted about getting a haircut. I needed one then too! haha

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  5. I really love this, Elle! I think it's great that you are using February to focus on you. We all tend to get distracted at times and other things take precedence. I'm starting to feel it now too. I haven't cut my hair since August and my feet have gotten quite the pounding lately from running so much so I need a pedicure SO bad!

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    1. Oh yes, Christina... runners' feet! haha Thanks for your kind words today. Always so happy when you stop by and leave me a comment.

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  6. I go through this every once in a while too. In fact I am wearing a hat right not because I was too lazy to blow dry my hair:/ I love all the different hair styles you have had! I have pretty much always had long hair that I pull back in a ponytail unless I am going somewhere fancy and then I flat iron it;) Great goals:)

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    1. I have never been a hat kind of girl I do have a couple of berets but caps are not my thing at all, although some do look cute in them. Flat iron? I would never have guessed that your hair ISN'T naturally straight. Funny how we all have perceptions of each other, hey? I think you always look great!

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  7. We've all been in our little frumpy slumps at one point or another. Don't let it get you down. You're gonna start feeling great as soon as you start your beauty routine back up again!

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    1. Frumpy slump! That about sums it up all right! Thanks so much for you kind words.

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  8. You reminded me that I've been meaning to work on keeping my nails looking better. I go through such phases.

    I love your hair in the picture where you are wearing the red tank top. You must share pictures when you get it done.

    Great plan for February. You deserve all of the attention.

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    1. Ah, thanks, Carrie. You have always been so kind and supportive.

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  9. LOVE this Elle! I have really slacked since not having a job & being at home - I do get the hair done BUT I rarely make an effort at it until the weekend for out & about with hubby. Good to think about & you have me thinking too! :) Glad you are taking care of you!!!!

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