Do you know how to give yourself what you need?
Story time; whenever I travel, I always carry what I call my Bag of Tricks; I’m famous for it!
It’s a pretty bag, preferably a pink one, that holds my books, magazines, my Kindle, my iPad, my chargers, etc. I’ll even throw some nuts or my favorite chocolate bar in there (Twix Salted Caramel, I see you). It’s all the things I need to entertain myself when I’m on a plane or in a car traveling. Okay, obviously not if I’m driving! Haha…
I started doing this with my boy when he was born and he went with me to work, which was every day when he was little, and it was a life saver. That got me to thinking after a great session today with a long-time wonderful client, who has begun asking herself this question when she’s upset or sad: “What is it I need right now to feel better?”
Lightbulb moment there!
What a great question to ask oneself when you’re having a shit day or feeling a little under the weather.
How to give yourself what need to feel better
- Is it more sleep?
- More chocolate?
- Less work, more play?
- Fresh air?
- Time with friends?
- Time with your boo?
- Time with yo-self?
…Do you see where I’m going with this?
No one knows you better than you!
We all have 100% capability of soothing ourselves and making ourselves feel better so why not make this part of your inner dialogue when you notice that something is off kilter?
I challenge you to make a proverbial Bag of Tricks for yourself that involves any and all the things that make you feel better.
You could even do what some teen clients of ours have done and that is to make an actual box that has things in it that you can grab in case of an emergency. This could include…
How to give yourself what you need tool box
- Favorite piece of chocolate
- Pieces of paper with favorite things to do written on them like music, movies, books, etc.
- An anxiety spinner to help distract you
- Something soft and furry to ground you
- A picture that you love that reminds you of someone or something special
- A journal to write in with your favorite pen
…You get the idea.
What are some things you could do to soothe yourself or help you feel better? What would you put in your Bag of Tricks?
In the meantime, don’t forget we can be part of your Bag of Tricks (I know my therapist is!) and you can self-schedule here any time you’re ready with any of our expert therapists. We’ve got you!
