November 3, 2008 | Posted in: Leading Hartfully

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I consider self-batticals, no matter how short, a requirement in today’s hectic society. A self-battical is a sabattical for the self, for the soul and is a necessary ingredient to regroup, recharge, reconnect with our spirits, refresh, renew and regenerate who we are.

A self-battical can be a holiday or a holimoment – a bubble bath, Jacuzzi soak, pedicure, facial, walk on the beach, deep breathing, looking at photos, listening to music, port wine and dark chocolate, snuggling up with a book or playing with your dog to relieve some stress.

If you need more than a moment, consider a spa day,  a girlfriend getaway, or a solo travel adventure over a weekend or a week of new discoveries. One neighbor says she’s decided to take every Friday off to do something for herself and do whatever she darn well pleases. Another friend does one thing per month for herself in the self-care department. A girlfriend and I recently took ourselves to a world-class spa for the day to relish the serenity of it all. Many will allow you to purchase day passes along with a purcahse of just one treatment.

After spending the day in pure luxury, we rented some chick flicks and watched movies all night eating premium ice cream with Grand Marnier fudge sauce. Indulgent, yep. Decadent, you betcha. Absolutely soul satisfying, you better believe it. We both knew it was something we both indisputably needed.

I’ve made a choice to do at least one big adventurous thing per year to stretch my limits (solo safaries with the Massai, Outward Bound 30-day survival course, sky diving over the Rockies, parasailing in Mexico, bungee jumping in France, rock climbing in Germany, hang gliding in Austria, camel riding in Kenya, Bamboo rafting in Thailand and trekking in Nepal to name a few.) I also choose to take at least Monday mornings and Friday afternoons off to treat myself to whatever I need in the moment (a nap, massage, catching up with girlfriends, sewing, creative play, biking, cooking, sailing or kayaking etc.) I’m practicing on extending the non-work time to the entire days of Mondays and Fridays to be a better balanced me.

I find we can be our best selves when our plates are not so full. We don’t need to fill every spare moment with work or productivity. I made a decision when I moved to California that my new motto would be “no rushing and less stress”. I’ve seen the softer side of me on the west coast. Maybe it comes with age – nothing to prove, a little more freedom of choice of how to live my life and in no big hurry  – it’s an easier life. I fee freedom to be able to choose how I get to spend my day each morning.

For those who think self care is selfish . . . you can’t be of service to anybody else if you’re sick, weak, stressed-out or on your last nerve. It’s all about being the best self you can be for the world. Doesn’t the world deserve your best self – it’s selfish to not take care of you. Guard your energy fiercly, so you will have it to give to others and to your causes when they need you.

What kind of Self-battical or holimoment will you take this week, this day or this month to energize yourself?  Now excuse me,  it’s time for a doggie walk.  . . .