Day 1: Fill Your Bucket
The first thing that always needs doing is self-care. The only thing I can pour from an empty bucket is the weird, gross sludge at the bottom and no one wants that. Self-care is about connection to yourself. Physically, emotionally and spiritually, we need to have enough energy, patience and inspiration to make changes in our life.
Physically, what do you need today? More rest? To get outside? Some dessert? What will help your body work better?
Emotionally, how can you rest? What brings you peace? It’s ok to tune out for awhile or to engage with feelings of fear, anger or sadness you haven’t been. Self-care is about letting go of the idea that you always have to be ok and doing what it takes so that when you re-enter the world, you’re effective.
Spiritually, what connects you to the transformative? To a greater sense of humanity’s connectedness or to a larger spiritual reality? It can be prayer or meditation or something as simple as a really good story well-told or a long walk in a beautiful place. How can you remind yourself that there is good in the world and you are a part of it?
Get yourself ready for community building. It’s hard work, but it’s good work.