Self-Care, A-Z: A "Word" About Self-Care in 2018
by Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., LCSW, MSW, MRE, lead co-editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals
As we begin 2018, I invite you to join me in a simple, yet powerful, self-care resolution. The One Word ritual is counter to complicated lists of resolutions. You may have heard about it. (If not, Google it!) The basic concept is that you choose one word that encapsulates your intention for the new year. This ritual can be done with family members, work teams, and accountability partners. Typically, each individual chooses a word, which is shared with others for encouragement and enjoyment! However, also, this ritual could be done as a group effort—such as a guiding word for a work team, accountability group, or family unit.
My 2018 word is JOY. Below is my acrostic reflection on joy, which I hope you En-joy. (wink!) Then, I invite you to share, either briefly in the comments or in a guest blog post, a reflection on your word. Or, if you have other ideas for a blog post, let me know. All are welcome to contribute to OUR self-care blog space for sharing struggles, strategies, and successes!
Just Be. And, Be Just. “Being” and “Justice” are cornerstones for my psychological and spiritual joy. I know that my understanding of joy will grow as I focus on those aspects this year. Being mindfully present to daily life and routine encounters deepens my joy. Likewise, being engaged in advocacy and living my core values expands my joy.
Optimize opportunities! Being present and practicing my values means that I will be more likely to recognize opportunities for joy. Viewing opportunity through the lens of self-care takes intentionality, though.
For example, recently, my partner was considering a promotion. Through the traditional lens of “success,” the additional income and prestige of the position was a desirable opportunity. However, we considered the question: “What is the opportunity that is most likely to support the lifestyle we want?” This self-care lens led to deciding against the promotion. This decision means less money—though, we have enough for our needs and to share with others. And, joyfully, we will have the opportunity of time to travel, engage in relationships, and, generally, have better self-care.
Your turn. Collaborating with others to create resources and avenues to grow our self-care movement brings me joy. This blog is intended for spreading the word and sharing our self-care journeys. So, in 2018, please, resolve to share this blog with your colleagues. And, please, consider adding your Words of wisdom to the forum. The One Word ritual may not be your thing. Maybe, you are doing a vision board. Or, perhaps you have another strategy or approach to your self-care. Or, you have particular insights from your self-care struggles. In this new year, use this blog space to share the JOY of self-care.
None of us do self-care perfectly; we need each other for encouragement, advice, and accountability. So, let’s resolve to practice and promote self-care in 2018—and share the journey with each other. WORD!
Peace, Love, Self-Care—and, JOY!
Erlene
Dr. Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., LCSW, MSW, MRE is a Partner in The Wellness Group, ETC. This LLC provides evaluation, training, and consultation for organizational wellness and practitioner well-being. Dr. Grise-Owens is lead editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals. As a former faculty member and graduate program director, she and a small (but mighty!) group of colleagues implemented an initiative to promote self-care as part of the social work education curriculum. Previously, she served in clinical and administrative roles. She has experience with navigating toxicity and dysfunction, up-close and personal! Likewise, as an educator, she saw students enter the field and quickly burn out. As a dedicated social worker, she believes the well-being of practitioners is a matter of social justice and human rights. Thus, she is on a mission to promote self-care and wellness!