Reclaiming My Life Through Self-Care: Part II

It's been 1 week since I've officially embarked on a new journey.

I recently came to the crushing realization that I was neglecting myself in big ways. It led to massive burnout, and feeling like I had no control over anything in my life.

I'm now reclaiming this control, and I'm doing it by practicing intentional self-care so I'm able to be the best version of myself that can exist.

Basically, I'm just trying to live my best life!

Using the Savor Beauty Planner's Manifest Wheel to guide me, I chose to begin this journey by focusing on 1 slice of the self-care pie that I've been neglecting for a while: Social.

My energy and desire for socializing has rapidly declined over the last several years. Growing up in NYC, I became desensitized to the glitz and glamour of NYC nightlife before I even turned 21. It got old, and though I participated throughout my 20's, it was no longer bringing me the same happiness.

I began isolating from some of my closest friends because as my interests changed, theirs remained the same. 

COVID only made my self-isolation worse. Weddings became virtual. Contactless delivery became the norm. Instagram. TikTok. AI. Virtual reality. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Technology makes us feel like we're interacting with the outside world, even when we aren't. 

For years, I found myself bailing on plans because I preferred to stay home. Here are common excuses I created in my head:

• I don't feel like going to Brooklyn
• It's raining
• I have so many things to do
• I have NOTHING to wear
• I'm really not missing anything...
• I'll just have dinner with them soon

Listen, there's nothing wrong with being a homebody or preferring to stay home sometimes! But there is something wrong with not showing up for the people you love. It's an important distinction to make. 

Cultivating meaningful relationships is vital to our happiness as humans, and neglecting these connections was not doing me any good.

I always felt like I had all the time in the world to see my friends, but what a mistake this feeling was. Time is the most precious resource; the 1 thing we can never get back.

I'm now making the conscious effort to see my friends more. Time can always be made for those we love, and I CAN find the balance between relaxing in my own personal sanctuary and having a healthy social life.

So last week I got all of my big chores done during the week so that my weekend would be free for FUN!

On Saturday, I went to my best friend's house in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. We sat on her sunny, tree-lined street, discussing our dating lives as we watched passersby. We drove to Park Slope for some poké and bubble tea, and returned to her apartment to eat our favorite cookies from the bodega. She brought out her baritone ukelele and we sang our favorite songs until we couldn't sing anymore.

On Sunday, I was back in Brooklyn for a birthday party. It was held on the coolest rooftop bar, and I had the best time. I took my time getting ready that day, and I felt like a million bucks. The weather was perfect, everyone was vibing, and life was good. We drank frozen summer cocktails, ate piping hot pizza, and ended the night with a chrome, cherry-covered birthday cake.

Here's what I know, but ignored for so long: just go. See your friends. See your family. Go to the thing.

Stop making excuses.

None of us will ever look back and wish we spent less time with our loved ones and more time alone.

Just go, and have the best time ever!
You'll thank yourself later.