You deserve TLC
Tender, loving care.
If you haven’t heard of the acronym (initialism, but let’s skip the semantics today, lol) TLC: Tender, Loving Care, that is what it means.
We can receive TLC from our families and friends, of course, but today, I want to give you a few examples of TLC that you can give to yourself.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you.” There are several activities you can participate in to give yourself some TLC. #SelfCare (to appease any younger generations that may happen upon this blogosphere, lol.)
Specifically, you can exercise, eat healthy foods, and prioritize sleep. I know, I know, “easier said than done.” The etymology of that specific phrase is from the 1500s, by the way (a fun tidbit for my grammar nerds).
I know from personal experience that when you’re already down and out, self-care is the last thing on your mind. Survival is the only possibility sometimes.
So, when you’re lying there in bed, and you can’t do the simplest task, do yourself a favor. Breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth (check out the video below). Sometimes, we need to count the automatic as TLC because we don’t give ourselves enough credit for everything we have already accomplished.
When you can do it, sit up. After that, use the bathroom, wash your hands, and brush your teeth. You’re doing everything you can to just survive, and in that, for this moment and this moment only, you’re giving yourself TLC.
I know how hard life can be, and how much it can beat you down. You’ve survived 100% of all your worst days, and I know with just that small amount of TLC, you can learn that you deserve to live.
You deserve to exercise.
You deserve to hydrate yourself with some water.
You deserve to sleep well.
You deserve to accept the love, peace, and patience you give out to the world freely.
You deserve to live.
You deserve TLC.
I’d love to hear from you. What is one "automatic" thing you did today that deserves to be counted as TLC? Share it to hello@dinagalarzamapes.com—let's celebrate the small wins together. If you or someone you know is dealing with mental illness, please reach out to anyone. If you can’t talk to anyone, please dial or text 988, or even message me at my email address above.
