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Michelle Gottlieb Psy.D., MFT, LPCC
Individual, Couple and Family Therapy
Resolving issues from your past that block your future

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Rain and Nurturing

February 2011

I love rainy days. I always want to curl up on the couch with a blanket over me, a puppy on my lap, a mug of hot chocolate, a fire burning in the fireplace and a book in my hand. In other words, I want a day off to relax and just be. No running around, no calls to make, no emails to return. Just a day of nothing.

I think that is the point of rainy days. They help us to remember to slow down. They remind us of the importance of nurturing ourselves. We all have such hectic lives that we often forget that if we do not take care of ourselves, we will burn out.

Now, if we only take care of ourselves on rainy days, we will not make it. We, unfortunately, do not have enough rainy days to keep us replenished. But let us use these days as a reminder to ask ourselves, when is the last time that we did nurture ourselves. If we cannot recall, it has been too long! We need to do something nurturing everyday. It can be something small like watching a TV show that we like, or taking a shower that is just a little longer.

Make a list of ten nurturing activities (do not include activities that involve money, alcohol or other drugs, or food for obvious reasons) that include a variety of inside and outside activities, some with people, some without. These are not Disneyland-size activities, but small things, like getting a manicure or taking a walk or calling a friend. Do something every day for at least 15 minutes per day. You will be amazed at the difference it makes in your outlook and enjoyment of life.

And then, once in a while, like when it rains, take the day off and do NOTHING! Enjoy the journey!

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