Hair Rollers and Hair Pins

by: Lacey Rivers

"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

I sat in the library with my study tools spread around me, my hair au naturale hair was pushed back, I wore an oversized t-shirt with a pair of dark denim slim-fit Forver 21 jeans, and a pair of sandals affirming that I hadn't received a pedicure in over a month. I purposefuly positioned myself in a corner near a window. I kept quiet and did my work, doing my best to remain invisible from everyone. I know I looked a mess, I hadn't found the time to take care of myself because I was busy building a business, and trying to become a better me.

Between full-time school, building a start-up business,Church activities, and much more I have to admit that implementing self care has become one of my greatest struggles. I'm single, no kids, and haven't hit my "dirty thirthy" yet, so I should have no excuse right? Wrong! As a young woman who is relentlessly on a purpose-filled journey, and eager for growth and success, I often find myself fiercely searching for the time to deep condition my hair, join my cousin for lunch, read my Bible, water my Zinnias, or watch a funny film. Polishing my toes, taking a brisk walk through the neighborhood, or piecing together a jigsaw puzzle are tasks that once were an easy feat but now seem to require even more energy than completing a test review or setting an appointment for the next online feature in my publication. I used to think that self-care was a costly, selfish act, perhaps because I didn't see much self-care implemented in my childhood years. My mom was always on the go, going to Church, going to work, going to track meets, dance recitals, and cheer camps. While there were times that she went to the salon and the nail shop even then her time to self always seemed limited.

I've recently come to the understanding of TRUE self-care and why it's so important for a busy purpose-driven woman such as myself. After all, how can I about proper care of do any of the work that Christ yourself and treating has placed before me if I'm yourself as kindly as you tired, worn out, and stressed. I treat others." know for a fact that while in the library I was looking Here a few of my easy-todo self-care tactics that are exactly how I felt; horrible! Gods will is for me to live in cost efficient and effective good health, "Beloved, I wish for the everyday purposedriven woman: above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul Visit nature - I love prospereth." (KJV)

everything about nature! A nice walk through my

Fort Garry Women's neighborhood with the sun Resource Center defines selfcare as "care provided for you, by you. It is identifying your and stress that builds own needs and taking steps to throughout my busy day. meet them. It is taking the time to do some of the activities that nurture you. Self care is about proper care of yourself and treating yourself as kindly as you treat others."

Here are a few of my easy to do self-care tactics that are cost efficient and effective for the everyday purpose driven woman:

Visit nature- I love everything about nature! A nice walk through my neighborhood with the sun beaming down on me breaks down much tension and stress that builds throughout my busy day.

Call on the Chef- I love to cook, but I don't have much time to do so because of my busy schedule. Blocking off time to pull out my cutting board, fresh herbs, and favorite foods creates a sense of warmth and ease. Certain smells emanating from the kitchen bring back healthy moments and memories.

Get the tea - After an exhausting day I enjoy a cup of tea (preferably chamomile) with a good book.

Get creative - An adult coloring book, or acrylic on canvas makes me feel happy and confident. I never paint with an intention in mind other than fun relaxation. I've learned that there are no specific ways to implement self care. I focus on what makes me happy and adds healthy energy to my life and atmosphere. Sometimes just sitting in silence or a 5 minute prayer to God brings me back to normal and realigns my focus with my purpose. I know I can always rely on hair rollers and hair pins.