Self-Care A-Z: Reflections on 2020 Vision for Self-Care
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
Exiting 2019 and entering 2020, I’m reflecting on my self-care journey. Over the past decade, I’ve been avidly studying, promoting, and practicing self-care. My understanding has evolved considerably.
Spirals in Sustaining Self-Care
I’ve learned that self-care is often simple; yet, usually, not easy. I’ve learned that self-care is essential; yet, too often, ignored. I’ve learned that sustaining self-care requires self-awareness, consistent attention, realistic integration, wholistic approaches, and accountable intentionality.
Actually, I should say I’m learning these things—and more. You see, I’m constantly (re)learning the wisdom of the Barry H. Gillespie's aphorism: The [self-care] path isn’t a straight line; it’s a spiral. You continually come back to things you thought you understood and see deeper truths.
On my self-care path, I’m realizing that sustained self-care requires philosophical frameworks, pragmatic strategies, and adaptable resources. In the upcoming year, I recommit to providing these—to which we can continually come back to see deeper truths and sustain self-care.
A Word About Vision
In past new year’s posts, I’ve invited folks to select a self-care Word of the Year. I reissue that invitation. What’s your word?
In 2018, my word was Joy; 2019 was Journey. Like a spiral, this focus exponentially deepens self-care. For my 2020 choice, I pondered the word Vision. In various ways, I want to see things more clearly and vividly—personally and professionally. I want to en-vision my work contributions with more focus and sparkle. Some things need re-vision-ing.
Yet, I hesitated. 2020 Vision?! Isn’t that too obvious, too corny? My intuitive friend, TQ, reminds me to look for signs. Maybe I needed to wait and see.
In December, my partner and I took a beach retreat to immerse in winter self-care of rest, reflect, and reconnect. Reading is a favorite form of self-care. I’d selected All the Light We Cannot See as a Jolabokaflod gift. This wonderful Icelandic tradition involves sinking into a book, while consuming chocolate.
In this award-winning and compelling novel, vision is a recurring theme. The title stems from this passage (on page 48): So, how…does the brain, which lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light…Open your eyes…and see what you can…before they close forever. A central character, Marie-Laure, is physically blind. Yet, the reader learns early on that this character’s “vision” is vibrant and perceptive.
In 2020, I’m eager to see what will become visible by opening my eyes—literally and metaphorically.
Add the “ing”
Word a Year is a practice that deepens our self-care spiral. For sustained effect, the word must be activated. That is, I can’t stop at Vision. I must add the ing for vision-ing, envision-ing, revision-ing. Here’s where additional resources and strategies are needed.
I recommend a resource person who consistently puts ing in my self-care. If you don’t already follow Gretchen Rubin, add it to your 2020 list (see below)! Reflecting on my self-care path, I realize Rubin is a steady companion. She doesn’t categorize her work as “self-care,” but, in my self-care journey, I use her resources again and again. About a decade ago, I encountered her through The Happiness Project. The book has monthly emphases, such as “January—Boost Energy,” “April—Lighten Up.” Each year, I re-read the book and journal, and discover “deeper truths.” I’m happy to say that Rubin has built a repertoire of resources, including more books, podcasts, webinars, and more.
Here’s one of Gretchen’s yearly resolution strategies I’m adopting this year: 20 for 2020. This strategy aligns with my 2020 Vision. It involves making a list of 20 things you want to do in 2020. The list can include nagging tasks (clean out that closet), delayed adventures (sky-dive), neglected commitments (play with kids more), or anything else!
I recommend linking the 2020 list with a SMART self-care plan. For instance, my list includes designated writing time (professional), specific fitness commitments (physical), and other items that add the “ing” to my Vision. This SMART linkage takes the list into an action plan.
Future blog posts will add resources and strategies—some tried and true and some new ones. What are your favorites? Please, consider sharing through the comments and/or writing a post.
2020 Vision—Self-Care Movement!
Peace, Love, & Self-Care,
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!