Oh, hey! How are ya? I’m pretty good because this week is my birthday week. You’ll find that I’m not one of those shy, don’t like to celebrate types. I think birthdays are frickin’ rad and that everyone deserves to feel a bit special as they reach the milestone of being alive for another year! I’m even OK with ageing! While I’m not always loving the look and texture of my skin, I’m pretty stoked with the stuff that makes me feel wiser each year. I wouldn’t trade that for anything at this point! Not even the completely on point, dewy skin of an 18 year old! OK, maybe…I don’t know haha.
Sure, I cried the night before I turned 20 but that’s in the past now. Did you hear that, family who still laughs at me about it? It’s TOTALLY IN THE PAST ?
I don’t often throw a big party or anything – last party I had was my 21st I think. I get too anxious and worry that nobody will come and it’s just all a bit awkward, truth be told. But I love a good pampering, a little trip away or a girls’ night out!
Since I’ve become a parent, I have really treasured my birthdays.
When people ask what I would like gift-wise, I am quite honest and blunt about it. I want something that gives me permission to be selfish. I don’t feel guilty about that at all. I work hard for my family all year ’round! This is one time I can stop worrying about being ‘sensible’ (well – within reason – you know what I mean?).
I’ve decided to give myself a little birthday self-care to-do list to achieve ASAP, which I thought I would share with you.
They are the things I don’t always do throughout the year, because they can cost a little bit more of my time, energy or moolah. Things that can be a little bit easier at birthday time!
Get my hair done.
I have already made an appointment and I am so excited because I am going to try something totally new. If it’s a success, you’ll know all about it in due time! I can’t remember exactly when my last hair appointment was, but I do know that I have put off going back to my fave place because getting your hair done costs money and I kept talking myself out of it. During birthday week, I say f*ck it. Also, a little gift money does wonders!
Order some new activewear.
I need some more tights, maybe a hoodie or two. Activewear that I can be in during the cooler months. I’m gonna splurge on the good shit that doesn’t turn see through when you bend over. I KNOW.
I don’t buy all the crazy brands. I’ll probably never realise my Running Bare potential or figure out the Lululemon thing. I’m probably not a Lorna Jane girl. But I do like me some nice, stylish Cotton On Body stuff.
I’ve been putting this off forever!
Get my guitar out again.
I have the most beautiful acoustic guitar that Mr Unprepared gave me for my birthday in 2010. Problem was that 2010 turned into the year from hell, followed quickly by 2011 when I got pregnant with the Little Mister. I kind of forgot to keep playing (or even sleeping or going to the toilet alone). I hope that 2017 will be the year I start again. I’m not talented but I love giving it a go. Music is everything!
I need new strings and I’d love a good tuner. I’ll be butchering my favourite songs again in no time, hopefully! I’d love to share it all with the Little Mister (another big fan of anything musical).
See if a ‘lash lift’ treatment is right for me and if so, get it done!
I have shorter lashes. They are straight and they point down FFS. Mr Unprepared and the Little Mister have glorious lashes that are neither of those things. I am mad jealous. Great lashes are wasted on the boys! I only just found out about lash lifts and I am really intrigued! I am too scared of extensions and fake lashes, so maybe this could be for me? If so, I really want to give it a go!
Look into local group fitness options that I can afford.
I’ve struggled with the gym concept at times, but now that the Little Mister is full time at school, I wonder if there is something I could do? Something with the motivating group aspect that fits into my life timetable, isn’t prohibitively expensive and doesn’t make me freak out about being locked into anything. I don’t always love all the classes offered at the local gyms and I just want to get my money’s worth while getting fit and working on my health.
I know there’s a heap of stuff out there I can try, but I need to try harder to invest my time into narrowing those options down and picking something just right for me. I’d love to try something outdoors in a park type environment. I don’t always love being cooped up inside. I got close to joining a gym with my old school buddy who so kindly offered to go through it all with me, but the timing was a bit off (financially) and I admit I got cold feet and lost momentum. I must try harder!
Enjoy a girls’ night out.
It’s been forever! I have a little something planned for the weekend and I can’t wait!
I don’t have a set timeline on some of these things, but I want to make them a priority. Wish me luck!
What’s on your self care to-do list?
