Self Care is not all Bubble Baths and Cupcakes!

I’ve only recently actually started to reflect on what self care is and what it means. When someone asked me what I do for self care, I would always answer, “I don’t know! Nothing I guess!” Ask anyone who knows me fairly well and they will tell you that I am not a person who is easily in tune with myself it takes a lot of patience and a lot of work for me to answer the tough questions.

When I really started to think about it, I practice self care every day and didn’t even realize it.

I go to the gym every day in the morning, not because I want a hot body, but because I love being strong and enjoy the atmosphere. I plan out my food and meals every day because I love eating and looking forward to what goes into my belly next! I go to bed early most days because I love the feeling of waking up refreshed and not tired and cranky. I read a novel instead of watching TV because I love how the characters make me feel like I am right there in the moment with them.

Some other not so glamorous things that are self care is, washing the dishes by hand every night, because I like a clean kitchen in the mornings. Doing laundry once a week because I do not like folding laundry more than that. Making sure that all my bills are paid on time, because I know how important it is to financial security and I don’t like being stressed out about it.

Self care to me also comes with being my own boss. Having been an independent mortgage broker for over 11 years now, has made me realize that being an entrepreneur is something that I won’t ever be able to give up. Being able to create my own schedule is the biggest benefit to me, however it also comes with some sacrifice. No guaranteed salary can be a big stressor and that brings us full circle to self care and how important it is to keep your body and mind healthy so you can focus on what is important to you.

Self care comes in so many different varieties. It is not all about the fluffy stuff that makes you happy all the time, but also the hard stuff that needs to be done to ensure you can survive in this crazy world of ours.

-Jamie Arthurs

**Jamie has been an independent mortgage broker for over 11 years. She lives in Edmonton with her dog, Burt. She loves going for walks in the beautiful river valley, spending time with friends and family and embracing her strong Scottish heritage!**