Finding Your Own Island: The Self-Care We Deserve
Finding Your Own Island: The Self-Care We Deserve
Cheers to some solo time
Without realizing it, I hit my 15th post on Substack last week 🎉! I've been posting consistently since July 20, 2024, and I’m pretty proud of myself. Especially since the consistency is not to keep up with an algorithm or obsess over metrics like I did with Instagram, but it’s because I genuinely love this corner of the internet.
Writing here has given me a place to be free, share different parts of my journey, and connect with so many of you who are on your own unique paths.
Substack feels different. It’s quiet, but the stories are LOUD, and there's something so refreshing about discovering people’s thoughts and experiences in this cozy digital space. But if you’re reading this in your email inbox and haven’t ventured into the app yet, no worries—knowing you’re here means so much too!
Lately, I’ve been finding new ways to balance my roles as a mother, partner, writer, and dream-manifestor. Balancing my life roles are a delicate dance, an untangling of both excitement and exhaustion, but somehow the balance turns into what I like to call harmony. And the harmony is happening.
In fact, I’m writing this right now from my little retreat that my husband supportively calls “Kelley Island” lol. He calls it this when I take time to regroup, recharge, and spend time with just myself.
Right now, I’m enjoying a much needed mani-pedi, and a complimentary glass of pink lemonade. Ya girl usually gets a chardonnay but it’s a little on the early side so I’m sticking to something non-alcoholic this time lol. And i’m writing this now because I have some uninterrupted time but once my foot massage begins, the google doc where I’m writing this will be out of sight, just like my phone honey lol. I’m excited to close my eyes and just be!
Now that I’m back home let me tell you…this afternoon was blissful. The good music, warm towels, the oils, the soothing pressure on my feet, the massage chair on my back, and complimentary drinks…all of it is like a mini-vacation for my spirit! Whew Chile it was good. This just goes to show, self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it should feel like you're being poured into. It should feel like you’re looking out for your well-being. We all deserve moments like this, a chance to pour into ourselves as much as we pour into others. So let this be a sign to pour into yourself. You Deserve It.
Reflection Prompt
When’s the last time you had your own island moment?
When was the last time you did something just for you?
Whether you’re a parent, you’re usually spending time with your partner, or simply a hard worker, we all need space to breathe, to be pampered, to let our minds wander, and to return home to ourselves.
Challenge for This Month
Before the month ends, I challenge you to do something that feels like self-care just for you. Try something new or reach into your usual self-care toolbox—whatever it is, make sure it lights you up and fills your soul.
Now TMI Fam, if you’re down, share with me in the comments what you choose: What type of self-care will you give yourself this month?
On My Channel
Say this to yourself, out loud or in your mind, 3 times
Say it as though you mean it + feel it in your body.
“I am open to and deserving of self-care and some solo time.”
With love and positivity,
XO,
Kelley Green Johnson
Love the topic always so meaningful
Hope everyone enjoys your TMI stories as much as I do
It’s is as real as it can get!!