Stop and Smell the Roses

It's been hard trying to keep up with my #CupcakeVM the past two months. I can make all kinds of excuses:

  • I don't have time. 
  • I'm too tired at the end of the day to exercise. 
  • I'm too tired to wake up early to exercise. 
  • My kids homework takes too much time. 
  • I have to do laundry. 
  • I have to prepare dinner. 
  • I have to attend this meeting. 
  • I have to go to that event. 
Blah, blah, blah. 

But everyday I find time to:
  • Check my emails a dozen times (work and personal)
  • Check my social media channels a half dozen times a day
  • Watch my Filipino dramas and/or Netflix shows
All of these I could do while on my elliptical machine. 

I know I could do a better job at taking care of myself and going on my walks more consistently to complete my 26 miles each month. 

I had a week off by myself before my kids were off for Spring Break so I found myself at a few awesome places to get some miles in. Miramar Lake is very close to my home so I did some walking there. 

Another day I walked around the trail and sidewalks along La Jolla Cove. The wind, seaspray, and the crashing waves made for a very relaxing, inspiring morning walk. I take for granted the beautiful spots San Diego has which is just minutes from my home.


Whenever I can, I include my kids during my walks. They love to scooter along side me, often times doing circles around me. We love being outside, in the fresh air. Because we live in beautiful San Diego, there are so many beautiful places to walk and be inspired.  

Here is Jelo taking a break from his scooter and saying hi to the ducks at Mission Bay Park


At our most recent walk was at Liberty Station. There are several courtyards with fountains that are a delight to find. There is also a park with great playground, trails for walking or biking, as well as beautiful views of the bay. 

This time though, we found a rose garden in full bloom. The rose garden was close to the playground. My boys and I sat for a bit to enjoy the roses. The cool Spring breeze would pick up the sweet scent of the roses which would fill the air. We could smell the roses from the bench near by. 




 
As I sat on the bench, with one of my sons on each side of me, I said a little prayer:
Thank you God for this day. 
Thank you God for my family, especially for the love and health of my two boys. 
Please bless us always. Please bless me to be around a very long time to enjoy my two boys. 
Amen. 

I need to remind myself that self-care is a priority if I'm going to help others. Self-care isn't only about physical care, but emotional and spiritual as well. 


What do you do for self-care?