Summer self-care check in #2

This summer we celebrated my son’s birthday at a popular laser tag centre. The party host, a young woman with a drama background, did a great job of corralling the boys and keeping things on schedule. (My sincere thanks to her! Not a job I want to have!)

While the boys were waiting in line for their laser tag games, to keep them entertained, the party host had them play a game where they had to do the opposite of what she instructed. For example, if she said put your hand up, they had to clap, and if she said clap, they had to put their hand up. And then she would add in more commands to make it more challenging. It was pretty funny to watch the boys try to follow along and catch themselves and each other doing the wrong action.

Which got me thinking about the intention that really is required to go against our ‘automatic pilot’ reactions to things. We can do it, but it definitely takes presence and attention and intention.

I would offer it also takes a willingness to approach things in a lighthearted, playful way and not take things - or ourselves! - too seriously, being compassionate when we slip back into old habits.

And, of course, our efforts will be enormously supported by having a group of like-minded people to cheer us on, and to take uncomfortable actions along with us.

Apparently the 4 C’s model - Connection, Compassion, Courage, and Creativity - applies equally to female therapists’ self-care and to 8/9/10 year old boys!

I hope you can find some creative and playful ways to incorporate self-care into your remaining summer days.