Play

This week’s HGC topic is about play. Our family just returned from a road trip to South Dakota. Seeing the way simple opportunities to play reenergized my kids was priceless and reminded me how important self care is on our journey of growth and healing.  Much like our road trip, the journey to heal can feel long and tiresome, but play and self care can give us the breaks we need to help commit to the long haul. 

 3 Things I Learned About Self Care While Watching My Kids Play:

1. Consistency

Despite visiting multiple national parks and landmarks, the kid’s favorite part was swimming in all of the hotel pools. We visited an indoor water park and natural hot spring but the fact that they got to swim in hotel pools EVERY day of the trip was one of the most memorable parts for them.  

When it comes to self care, it can be tempting to wait until we feel like we have the time and energy to do something substantial. 5 minutes of daily meditation is better than 1 hour, once a week.  What is something small you can start doing everyday?

2. Simplicity

While driving through my dad’s hometown, the kids spotted a playground that was probably from the 1970s. It had a super steep metal slide and fast merry-go-round.  There was nothing fancy about this park yet my kid’s were smiling ear to ear the entire time. Of course, there may have been some safety concerns, but the kids would argue it was worth the risk.  

Self care doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It can be as simple as listening to a couple of songs while walking around the block, taking some deep breaths, or watching a sunset. Try not to overthink it.  What is something super simple that brings you joy?

3. Community

Although we got to reconnect with some great people, the kids were the most excited any time they got to play with a dog. Seeing them get on the floor to play, hug, and snuggle was so fun. They just felt happier when they got to be with the dogs. Also, every time there was another kid at the hotel pool, they would eventually start talking and playing games with them.  

Growth and healing can feel very isolating. There is pain and hurt that can be hard to share but when you are able to find someone to open up to, it can help carry the load. Finding those people may not be as easy as cuddling with a dog or making a new friend as a kid, but there are people out there who can relate in some way to your story, validate your feelings, encourage and inspire you.  Is there someone you can reach out to?

“It may feel scary but it’s fun in your heart.”  Wise advice my son shared with his sister while encouraging her to ride the big waterslides.  Growth and healing can also feel scary but if you know it’s good for your heart and keep your self care (or play time) focused on consistency, simplicity, and community, it can help keep you going.  

This post is written in partnership with#hergrowthcollective, encouraging women to walk the path of self-development together.