Taking Care of Bid-Ness

I need to tell you something.

I had some work done.

Unfortunately, it was not THAT kind of work.

It was more of the DENTAL variety. I don't have much experience with dental work, and I called my sister afterward saying, "They gave me a SHOT. In my GUMS!" She was unimpressed. This dental work was entirely my fault.

Over a year ago the dentist told me I needed a custom mouth guard because I've been clenching my teeth at night. Our insurance didn't cover it, and we didn't have an extra $700 around, so I tried to get by without one. This plan worked so well that I gave myself a cracked tooth. And dental work. AND a custom mouth guard for $700. Yay.

This got me thinking about other times I try to cut corners or neglect what I need to do, only to have a bigger problem on my hands later. Examples include dental work, not exercising all fall and winter as if spring would dare not come again, not flossing (oh yeah, that's dental work) and not getting enough sleep because I'm cruising Facebook.

My pastor and friend calls taking care of oneself "The Practice of Self Care" and considers it an important part of our lives. The term "Self Care" reminds me a little too much of the creepy squeeze bottle and tub of hemorrhoid pads the nurses sent home with me after the birth of my two kids.

But I do think women too often neglect Self Care. Self Care to you could be taking a walk by yourself, praying, going to the gym, having a glass of wine while reading "US Weekly," or even going without a glass of wine because you realize it has become far too important to you.

It could be making a phone call you've been avoiding in order to take care of issues when they come up, before they fester, blow up, and cause drama and stress. Choosing to set boundaries when dealing with toxic people in your life could also be considered self care.

What kind of self care is important to you? I'd love to hear about it, unless it's of the "sitz bath" variety.

P.S. Mammogram scheduled for Thursday!