I enjoy an awesome life in general, so it feels a little indulgent to focus on making it better. But for the next few weeks, I think I'll experiment by being even kinder to myself. It's not just a matter of spending the entire day reading or playing video games… (On the plus side, W- and J- are avid players of the Persona RPG series too, so we get to joke about the game and swap notes.)

2015-04-17b Being extra-kind to myself – index card #self-care

I think it's about paying attention to the kinds of things that give me (and other people) joy, and finding a great balance. If I read too much without writing or trying things out, I feel disconnected. If I play too much, my brain feels buzzy. I enjoy other things too: cooking, taking care of things, cuddling the cats… I derive a lot of pleasure from creating a good life for myself and for the people closest to me. Oh, and there are little splurges that aren't actually all that expensive: strawberries while they're sweet, seeds and starters, 100% cotton fabric. (Maybe as an extra treat, I'll buy a yard of a Liberty print and see what all the fuss is about).

Mm. Yes, I think I'll cultivate these as my favourite ways of self-care:

• paying attention to and appreciating life
• making things, imagining them, tweaking them, improving my skills

in addition to the other ways I've been keeping my life relaxed and open.

2015-03-25a Learning about taking care of myself – index card #self-care

I changed my mind about the e-mail thing, by the way. I rather like this relaxed approach to e-mail. I want to see if I can continue doing it, maybe even quiet that occasionally guilty part of me that worries about messing up other people's plans.

2015-04-17e Slowing down e-mail – index card #email #slow #relax #experiment #semi-retirement

I figure it's as good a time as any to get even better at self-care. Dig your well before you're thirsty, after all. Build your skills and habits before you need them.

2015-03-25b Why have I focused on self-care – index card #self-care