Happy Hump day! It’s been a hard couple of days lately. With losing my foster kitten and then learning the rest of the litter was too small to undergo surgery to get fixed. They’re currently back in the care of the Director at Anti-Cruelty Society and I miss them so much. I know they’re getting lots of love and attention, but I can’t help but feel as though I failed them. With that, and some personal things going on, self-care has been more necessary than ever.
As I’ve mentioned before, I have struggled with depression and anxiety in the past. I know what it feels like to start slipping and it’s terrifying. I’ve been dealing with a lot lately and it’s been hard to put one foot in front of the other. My heart was crushed when I found out the kitten had passed, and perhaps even more terrifying was worrying if she had died of something the others or my own kitties could get. My anxiety was through the roof. I could hardly eat, my stomach was in knots, and breathing seemed to be something I had to focus on doing. It was at this point that I knew I needed a break.
I’m a people-pleaser, I enjoy making people happy and feeling wanted. Most of the time it works in my favor, but it often leads me to over-commit myself. Between fundraisers, hosting events, supporting friends, photoshoots, blogging, my finance job, my three animals, and of course, my husband, it’s a lot to balance. On Sunday, I skipped a fundraiser I was looking forward to so that I could spend time by myself on myself.
To me, self-care looks like this: putting my phone down, watching lots of terrible reality tv, eating pizza, and two shots of tequila. Some might argue that taking care of yourself must mean bettering yourself, but I think of it as giving yourself a break. We’re often our own toughest critic so turning off that small voice in my head for a bit and letting myself sulk felt good. Of course, moping around can be a slippery slope, so the next day I forced myself to the gym, got a massage, and ate my veggies.
The world of rescue is emotional and there are plenty of ups and downs. In general, I need to be more cognizant of practicing self-care throughout every day. While that obviously doesn’t mean binging on tv and junk food constantly, it does mean being more aware of my emotional, mental, and physical state. Making sure I’m taking time for myself and putting myself first will ensure I’ll always be there for the animals.
I love what I do and I won’t let the recent heartbreak derail the big picture. I so appreciate all the support and love I’ve received from all of you. Furthermore, thank you all giving me space and time to be sad, only to come back stronger and more ready to fight for all the animals that still need help.
THE RESCUES:
BOTH of these absolutely beautiful pups have found forever homes! Congrats guys!
Looking for a pup as cute as these two? Check out Stuart… I can’t handle his face.
THE STYLE:
When Anthro has a sale, you go. So much in their store is on sale so it’s basically like you’re saving money if you’re shopping there. I saw this top and I immediately fell in love. I’m a sucker for a Victorian collar. I paired it with my joggers and booties and called it a day. Shop the look below!
[show_shopthepost_widget id=”3257927″]
xoxo,
Christine
All photos: Margaret Rajic
Cute top & pups! I like your idea of pizza, tequila and some trashy tv – sign me up, Hahah! Hope your feeling better <3
I couldn’t edit my post and realized I used the wrong *you’re* at the end and it’s making me crazy so I had to repost to correct that! Lol
Hahaha I totally feel you. I’ve cringed so many times with posting your vs you’re on my stories. It hurts. Thanks for stopping by boo!
Hi-
Thank you for sharing your personal struggles. I know that is sometimes really hard for people to do, but it’s great that you recognize the signs and work to get back on a positive track. I have had my own struggles with depression.
I’m so sorry you had to endure losing a foster kitten…so tough. You are a great foster parent and fur mom. All of those animals that cross paths with you are so lucky.
I was hoping you were going to be at the Bialys event on Sunday, August 19th so we could reconnect. I’m not sure if you remember or not, but our moms taught together. During my childhood we would occasionally get together at your family’s house, and I believe we swam a couple of times at your grandparents pool.
Anyways, I hope to see you at one of these rescue events. My husband and I moved to Western Springs in April to be closer to my parents as we have an eight month old son. Thus, I’m not as involved as I used to be in the rescue community.
Take care and give your mom a hug for me (she was one of my favorite people growing up ?),
Kelly Brummet
Hey Kelly! Gosh it really has been forever, you’re totally right with swimming in my grandparents pool. Ah those were the days! I was also hoping to make it to Bialy’s but was wiped from a week of events. We’re trying to plan an event in November though so hopefully you’ll be able to make that! Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful words. It was a hard week but I’m focusing on the big picture and all the animals that still need help. Congrats on the baby boy, how lucky he is to have a kind-hearted mom like you <3. Hope to cross paths soon!!
Christine