Sharp pencils make me feel good.  They might even make me feel smarter while using them.  For sure, knowing I have a potful makes me feel smug.  So finally, today, I took every worn down pencil from my desk to the basement where the old manual pencil sharpener lives.  It was way more pencils than I have the time or patience to sharpen at once.  So I cut myself a deal, each and every time I passed the sharpener, I would sharpen five pencils.  Somethings are more palatable in increments.  As I moved clothes from the washer to the dryer I sharpened.  As I went looking for the right cake pan for the job, I sharpened.  Eventually all the pencils had pristine sharp points and I had a sweet sense of satisfaction.  Every time I look at them I am pleased, and every time I go to use one, well, color me happy!

In other self care news, my walk this morning was positively fruitful.  I woke at 6 a.m., rather hungry, thank you very much.  I threw on some suitable walking clothes and headed out after a cup of coffee and toast with almond butter.  The morning was miraculous.  So much is blooming, the river near my house was as still as if it were frozen.  I had a lot on my mind but kept reminding myself to remain in the present so as not to “miss” my walk.

About half way through my walk an acquaintance from my yoga class was coming towards me.   She was so happy to see me she actually took a little leap in the air!  She reversed her direction and I walked her home, chatting all the way. At first, I thought to myself, hmmm, if you are not walking alone, you might miss something wonderful.  Of course she turned out out to be my something wonderful.  She shared with me she had just sent off her first attempt at writing a children’s book manuscript to a publisher.  I shared with her I am an artist and have always wanted to illustrate a children’s book.  She ran into her house and brought me out information about a conference she is attending in July about illustrating and writing books for children.  I have a new friend.

When I got back  to my house I spotted a new neighbor with binoculars entranced by something in our trees.  “Springtime Warblers”, she spouted and proceeded to educate me.  Then she recognized me as the one who was picking violets and making violet butter.   So I dashed in the house to get her some violet butter, with her and her dog trailing behind me.  They are my new neighbors, she is Julie, the dog is Stella.  Julie is a gardener, I am a gardener wannabee.  A few minutes later I heard Julie knocking at my door, she is passing me a fresh bag of almond meal, turns out she had an abundance and wanted to share.  I have another new friend!

Quickly I will share the significance of new friends to me.  I have found as I progress on my journey with Rebecca old friends seem to not know me anymore, or not know what to do with me anymore.  I have even had one verbalize, “I do not know who this bike riding Kathe is.”  Despite the fact that I know this journey of unearthing myself has been best accomplished alone, sometimes I feel lonely.  I am anxious to have new friends with new things in common.  Rebecca has patiently assured me, they will come.  2 for 2 Rebecca,  this might top the walk where I found the tiny clear heart charm in the middle of the street, gleaming up at me.  All this, because I started my day with the intention of good self care.

How is your self care going?  And has anyone else experienced “the lonelies”?  I am looking forward to the support group that is starting later this month, perhaps these topics perhaps will come up?

Article By Kathe Kramer of Rebecca Bitzer & Associates, the largest and most experienced nutrition practice in Maryland, specializing in nutrition counseling for all ages. Find out how we can help you change your life for the better! For more nutrition information, tips, and blog posts, visit www.rbitzer.com

Photo By Dave Haygarth