The Selfish Self Care Selfie Challenge (SSCSC)

I had so much fun doing the Sarah Jenks Live More Weigh Less Challenge that I decided to make my own and keep going. Indeed, selfishness is all the rage! Let's take care of ourselves before it's too late. And self portraits are so easy to take these days that it's the most obvious kind of of self-documentation we can do.

What are you signing up for? For what are you up signing? I can't imagine it will be more than 30 days. (Unless someone else wants to come up with challenges for a while.... mull that over.) Read the week's challenges. Take a picture of yourself performing each one. Post it on Instragram or Facebook or whatever it is the kids are doing these days, and put a comment on the blog so I can go look for it. If you're super smart, maybe you can even post it in the comments. I'm barely able to get picture posted on my own damn blog, for some reason, so I'll leave that to you geniuses.

First, a little about intent. I'm being a little ironic about the Selfish part of this challenge. It does feel selfish to take care of yourself sometimes, and which makes the whole concept of "Put on your own oxygen mask before you attempt to help other passengers" a necessary instruction. But you have to admit that sometimes it's true. When it feels like you can't change anything in the world, you can always change yourself.

My goal in helping myself is to build some accountability and respect (it seems when I ask myself WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY?, it's frequently about respect). So you'll see a lot of challenges about food in here, because food / body / brain respect is toughie for some reason.

BLAH BLAH BLAH. What are the challenges, already?

1. Give someone a gift.
I stole this one from Sarah Jenks. It was the last challenge on her list, and I didn't get it done yet. Also, it's been in my work bag since July. But to get you over that "selfish" hump, be selfless and give it away first. Then get down.

2. Take care of your nails.
However you do that, because I know the dudes might not want red toenails. But I do. Or maybe sparkly silver....can I do plaid? Take a picture. Heck, you could put that mother on Pinterest and get a ton of shares!

3. Refuse food from a food pusher.
You know, that skinny Minnie at work with the donuts. The gross Hamburger Helper sample in the grocery store. Whatever gets pushed at you, that you don't want, you can say no.

4. Dance with yourself.
Make a choreography. Post it. (I don't expect anyone to do that.) But at least waltz around the kitchen with your toast.

5. Set the table (for a feast?).
Get some flowers, use a napkin. Take a picture. It helps you RESPECT the vittles.

6. Plan a meal.
Plan the next meal. Or a week of meals. Make sure you have the foods you like that make you feel like a superhero handy.

7. Plan a party.
It can be the smallest of soirees or a giant rave, I care not. I highly recommend implementing the plan (but don't forget to invite me!). I am also cheating, because I have a big party planned 7 days from now. So at least I'll have pictures.

Listening

Sometimes, you gotta listen to yourself.

Giant ragweed growing in the yard. That can't be helping.

Things I would like to do today: bike show, mow lawn, organize something, party, bake a delicious treat for the party or make some fantastic vegetable dish, brew some tea, do my nails (fingers AND toes), read a magazine or 3, buy some peaches and blueberries before they're all gone, go on a long walk, practice some dancing, update my itunes so I can move beyond the 3 albums I bought in desperation, wash the dishes, begin the laundry, buy Kleenex and pick up prescription, go for a car ride to the beach for the sunset.

Things I will actually do today: shower, go to the party with a bag of chips, stay later than is advisable, buy some Kleenex.

Why are these lists so different? Why can't I just stay home and nap? I would rather do everything on the longer list than the shorter one, that's why. I like to be busy. No shame in that game.

But I feel like crap. Sniffles, crusty eyes, itchy itchy itchy. Dr. Liz diagnoses herself with allergies and a cold on top of that snot sundae, but is powerless to fix it or make it better except in the old fashioned way of naps and drinking lots of soothing water and tea. My Body agrees.

Party Liz is not a compliant patient, however, and still wants to do all this stuff, and try to look pretty doing it. Party Liz wants to, duh, party! Party Liz is slightly alarmed that Body Liz doesn't think being around other people will help, because sometimes it does. Body Liz is adamant - need more rest. Dr. Liz scolds, you'll just spread illness that way. Stay home.

So I guess Negotiator Liz needs to step in and tell the Body Liz that we'll get our rest, and reassure Party Liz that we'll do some of these things, but not all, and thank Dr. Liz for the diagnosis.

See? I would make a great diplomat. You just gotta listen.