From Grilled Cheese to Chai Tea
How do you feed yourself when you are feeling sad, lonely or angry? What are your comfort foods? Are there foods that make you feel safe and loved? Probably.
Think back to when you were a kid…what would your mom, dad, grandmother or even big sister make you when you were feeling a little blue? Chicken Noodle Soup? Grilled Cheese? Hot Cocoa? Fresh Baked Cookies or Bread?
Most of the go-to’s were probably something that filled our bellies, warmed the body and melted our tension. Signalling to us that the “All Clear” flag had been raised. Likely we released a big sigh when smelling our go-to and an even bigger sigh after finishing our go-to. Then we could simply bask in feeling of being cared for and tended to.
My go-to has changed over the years. From grilled cheese to chai tea and many things in between. But my husband can attest…when I am feeling sick or have the blues and he asks me what I need; I usually say “Cheese Pizza from Barnaby’s”. I doubt my parents EVER bought me pizza when I was sick, but we did have it on pizza night as kids. The taste reminds me of home; comforting, loving and safe. (P.S. My husband refuses to drive two hours–there and back–to get my pizza. Ugh! Why didn’t I add “and to always pick up pizza for each other when we are feeling blue” to our wedding vows?! )
But cheese pizza isn’t my only pick me up. And it definitely isn’t what I am actually needing.
During times of stress, difficult circumstances or simply when negative thoughts and emotions seemed to drag me down; it’s not just my body that needs soothing and comfort. It is deeper than that. I need to nurture something deeper; call it inner self, spirit or soul. I need to kick in my self-care strategies to meet me needs and return to feeling comforted, loved and safe. Balanced and at peace.
How do you feed your spirit? What comforts you emotionally, mentally, and spiritually? What makes you feel safe and loved?
Not sure? Check out my worksheets on self-care strategies, affirmations and creating a self-care plan.
https://riversjourneycounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Self-Care-Plan-and-Strategies-1.pdf
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