DNA Vida Libre

I went to the doctor yesterday morning and got blood work done--nothing bad, just routine. But I don't like getting blood drawn; it brings back memories when I feel that familiar sting just like the Nine Inch Nail song Hurt. The phlebotomist took the needle out and wrapped my arm up. I left. Grabbed some coffee; my Friday treat and I headed off to work to kick ass. It was a none stopped day. My only self-care practices implemented was 1. deep breathing in between meetings and 2.  humor amongst my favorite group of coworkers.  3. my manager blew bubbles at me ❤️ I got home last night at 7pm (I left the house this morning at 6:45am). My kiddos strict bedtime routine starts at 730pm to be in bed by 8pm. Challenge night #2: went well. He fought a little but actually went to bed. 1 book was read and when he asked for a repeat I encouraged him to read it to himself. Since he doesn't know how to read yet, we made it a game to make up his own story by looking at the pict...

I lacked sleep today. I should know better.  I went to a highly intense job with little sleep and no partner in crime to use as a soundboard. When this happens--I cry. For no particular reason, I break down like when a toddler is tired but they cannot or will not go to sleep. I felt like giving up.  Self-Care Practices of the day:      1. I took deep breaths; 5 of them, while counting to 5 before                 exhaling. That got me to a relaxed state--more like light                   headed but it made the next step easier.      2. I closed my eyes and I repeated to myself (like a mantra): "just do what you can--you are enough" "Fuck the assholes. Fuck the assholes. Fuck the assholes." "I can do what I can and that is enough."       3. I re-read my to-do-list; picked one item to tackle. That was        ...

Self-Care Practices of the Day: Took it easy.  Did not argue or battle with my 3 year old--I chose my battles wisely :) 10 minutes to myself Deep breathing. Soaked my feet in the bathtub,  Shaved my legs and  Washed my hair. Today I had self-doubt and fear creep in. I am afraid that all that is good, all that I have worked for, is too good to be true. What if it gets taken away? What if I fall before I reach the finish line?  WHat if the good life I have disappears? But as I was deep breathing and taking 10 minutes to myself--no talking--just me and my mind. I began to think: the only way my good life would disappear is if I made it disappear. I know that if I relapse, I will have caused my own destruction. All that I have worked for, all that I have gained back will be gone. That is the only thing I have control of. Everything else is not in my hands. I can do the next right thing, but ultimately if things are meant to be, they will be without me h...

Yesterday, May 10th was Mother's Day for many Latinos. I get to celebrate this day twice for my sisters, mom, cousins etc. That's one of the many benefits to being bicultural--you get to celebrate multiple holidays. It was a special Self-Care Day.  Self Care Practices: Graceful--apologize and accept apologies Breathe Back/neck alignment and massage Drums Dancing So May 10th--pretty awesome and easy day. After kicking ass at work for four hours; I left early for a chiropractor appointment followed by deep tissue massage.  I was home by 2:30pm with no Chucho, child nor big child in the house. Just a kitty that leaves me alone unless its dinner time.  I rested. Took my CBD oil and the relaxation continued. Eventually the boys came home, we got ready for dinner and I was taken out on a sushi date with my favorite human beings.  The surprise--Mother's Day Powow!  My little one wanted to dance but backed out because he had no "dress" so I told him I ...

Self-Care Practice:    Let your loved ones love you!  Let them show you their ways of loving you and accept them.  Do not reject them or stop them.   Let them make you laugh when you are down.   Let them love you while you learn to love yourself again. Let them care for you while you learn to care for yourself again. Social Capital = your social network that is made of friends, family. Support network. Your village that you can rely on during tough times.    As I walked into work I admitted to myself that I had been moping around the office since my friend/partner in crime moved to a new role. I found it annoying that everyone kept checking up on me asking how I was doing, how I was hanging, what was I going to do or worse-- pointing out the obvious like "wow your office looks so empty since she left." I was dick. My responses were smart assery. And I probably made a few faces and rolled my eyes. I am not good at hiding my th...