A couple of years ago, I had a health issue which turned out fine, but, after many years of focussing on my 5 Ds, I came to the realization that I deserved some focus, too.

I vowed to do something nice/fun/good for myself every day, and, although I may have missed a few since then, I really have been very good at doing it! It's often something small, like taking a half hour when I should be doing something constructive and instead, just sitting and reading my current book. I do, however, regularly schedule things like getting my hair cut, pedicures, and the occasional massage (mostly for an old injury, but still enjoyable). If I see a review of a book that sounds interesting, I add it to my list, and order a few from Amazon each month. I almost always have a vase of fresh flowers in my kitchen, even if it's just a $5.00 bunch from the grocery store. I make the effort to keep in touch with friends who I may not see very often and we get together every few months for a cup of coffee to catch up on each others' lives. I try to never miss the weekly get together of a really close circle of friends I've had since my eldest was in nursery school. For the past year, as my parents have gotten older, I've made an extra effort to spend as much time as possible with them, even though they do not live close by. I have found that all of these things serve to nurture me and make me a better wife, mom, daughter, friend, and person. Oh, and there's nothing like a late afternoon nap.