Lisa Call

I think the question I receive most frequently is "where do you get all of your energy?" The last person to ask me this was Susan via twitter. I promised her I’d write a blog post on the topic and when I sat down to write it got really long so I’m breaking into multiple parts.

Food & Exercise

I think physical health is very important. When I feel tired or sick or physically not up to par it’s very hard to be motivated and have energy. So I take good care of myself. I have an extremely healthy diet, I exercise a bit and I have body work done on occasion (such as acupuncture or massage).

I don’t drink caffeine, I don’t eat much sugar, I don’t eat much white flour, I don’t eat meat except fish and I drink very little alcohol or soda. I eat super healthy for the most part, not just because I know I will feel better, but also because this is what comes naturally to me, I like simple nourishing food and have been doing it for 23 years.

I never feel like I’m depriving myself, so when I want to I’ll go on a cupcake eating binge. Or fritos. Or have a couple beers. Everything in moderation is fine but I find if I eat like this for an extended period of time I don’t feel great and naturally gravitate back to healthier simple food.

I don’t exercise as much as I might like but am managing yoga 3 or 4 times a week and some walking, my goal is 3-5 miles a week at a minimum. I’m not in the awesome shape I was in 5 years ago when I ran a half marathon and hike several 14ers but I still feel good.

My favorite form of exercise is to walk over to a playground at lunchtime and swing until my head clears. Usually it’s full of to-do lists and I don’t need that in my brain all the time. Probably the best way to spend 45 minutes while at work and it’s about 1.5 mile round trip.

OC#9 ©2007 David Castle 12"x12"

Self Care

Lately I have been practicing abundant self care. I believe this is an important element to holding intent. Self love and self care are super important pieces to living the life I want. When I set an intent or a goal I find it easier to hold that intent or complete that goal if I am at peace with myself.

Here are some things I’ve done in the last month as part of my self care:

• Start acupuncture. I’ve thought out this many times but I wasn’t on first name terms with needles so I was never willing to take the leap. Then Alyson Stanfield posted a referral for an acupuncturist and I took this as a sign it was time to become buddies with the needles. I had my second treatment today with Renae Einspahr and I’m hooked. Good thing my insurance pays for this cause I can see it a frequent element of my self care.
• Buy art I love. I’ve always wanted to purchase some of David Castle’s art and now the piece above is part of my collection. I love his work. You can read about how he makes these amazing water media pieces on his blog.
• Drinking plenty of water is something I have to work at, it doesn’t come naturally for me yet. I’m working on adding this to my daily ritual as I feel tons better when I’m well hydrated.
• I decided to celebrate my sense of well being today by buying myself a big box of my favorite chocolates. Yum. Why wait for someone else to pamper me when I can pamper myself. Expecting someone else to treat me better than I treat myself is a recipe for unhappiness.
• It doesn’t matter what I’m doing or what the weather is like, I always feel happier if I’ve been outside for a while. I would like to fit a walk into my life every day and I’m working up to that goal. Last friday the sun had the first hint of heat in it peaking through the bite of the cold wind and on saturday it was down right warm. It felt incredible.
• My cats are really missing my kids. [they are in Europe with their father for 3 months. Two down, 1 more to go. The cats aren't the only ones missing them.] I’m spending much more time each day sitting and petting my cats. They are so excited to have me SIT DOWN. They have an internal radar for this activity and come running. "ohmygawd - she’s sat down and it’s not in front of the computer or sewing machine - quick jump in her lap!". Not only do the cats love it but slowing down like this has brought a lot of inner peace for me.

 
How do you practice self care?

Related Posts

Transitioning and Intent
Holding Intent - Part I [Realistic Goals]
Holding Intent - Part II [Excuses]
Holding Intent - Part III [Focus]
Holding Intent - Part IV [Enough Time]

 
[I said I'd talk about fear this time but I didn't want to go there tonight as the acupuncture and chocolate have lulled me into peacefulness. Next time.]