Leap Day, Emotional Health, & a Bucket List

Disclaimer: This post isn’t actually about massage therapy, or physical health. At least not directly. I’m not a counselor and am offering general wisdom about self-care.

But emotional health certainly is part of a holistic health viewpoint. Therefore… I had some thoughts that I wanted to offer for your consideration… so, read on!

This February calendar has an unusual feature: a 29th day. What are you going to do with your bonus 24 hours (or 366th day of the year)? 

In between your regular Saturday routine activities this Leap Day, you could take some time out for some self-care. (We’ll roll that over, of course, if you’re perusing this post in March.) No deadlines, whatever self-care looks like for you.

Do you have a bucket list? Mine has frequently been forgotten, stuck in a drawer. Take your list out this weekend, and see what you might be able to check off during 2020.

Adventure is Out There!

If you’ve watched the Pixar film Up, you may recall Carl’s childhood hero and his catchphrase. “Adventure is out there!” he would proclaim. And even though Carl had shut himself off, he gradually opens his heart to new friendships and a whole new life of adventures. What a beautiful story (and pass the box of tissues!) What is your dream of adventure? Stay with me, and read on:

Keeping It Simple

Bucket lists don’t have to be, well, 20-gallon buckets. What I mean by that is, small adventures & small actions of self-care, are at least as important as checking major goals off your list. And maybe even more important in the long run!

Small actions are easier to fit into your day-to-day schedule. 

And they require less of a commitment, if you’re testing something out. That’s the beauty of accepting a trial membership at a new gym, attending a one-day craft workshop, or perusing sample chapters of a book to see if you want to read the series. 

Mini-adventures, such as day tripping to a nearby city you’ve never visited; streaming some music that’s way different from what you normally listen to; or meeting a friend at a new coffee shop, can still feel like a good break in your routine. 

No Worries

Everything on your bucket list doesn’t have to be monumental. And you don’t have to defend or apologize if you change your mind about wanting to do something. Also, there are no rules about the length of your list. 10 items? 25 of ‘em? 100? Or maybe just three.

Just consider what encourages you and what would give you a fresh outlook, a new memory, a spring in your step. Keepin’ it simple can create new momentum, too.

As I stated, we’re not going to set a lot of rules.

But here are Three Bucket-List Guidelines:

• Make sure you have some items on your list that are small & simple.
• Make sure to include activities that are fun or joyful for you.
• The items on your list should be meaningful to you and maybe others.

Epilogue: my recent adventure

In December, I took a weekend road trip! 

• I drove up the scenic Eastern Shore through Maryland and Delaware
• Stayed at an AirBnb (first time doing that) which was on a horse farm
• Went to a concert with one of my favorite singer/songwriters (Jeffrey Gaines), in a tiny performance venue which was pretty awesome
• Checked out a historic small town with cool shops and bookstores
• Learned about this town’s history and involvement with the Underground Railroad
• Shopped at ACME in Delaware (although no coyotes or road runners were to be found)
• Visited my good friend from massage school, who has moved to Maryland.

Your turn! What will you check off your bucket list & add to your self-care plans?