The Self-Care Cards

For one of my projects in massage school, I had to find someone I had never met before who belonged to a population that I had a particular interest in working with. Already set on my goal of spreading the message of self-care, I chose to work with a colleague of a family friend, who worked at a school for children with special needs. That is, a caregiver, someone who spent her time giving to others perhaps without doing a great deal for herself in return. The experience was an extremely rewarding one for me, not least because it was just as rewarding for my client.

Early into that project, I purchased the book, The Art of Extreme Self-Care by Cheryl Richardson, in order to enhance my own understanding of self-care by reading the perspective of another. I also purchased her deck of 52 self-care cards for myself.

The book was a joy to read, enlightening and inspiring. Unfortunately, for almost a year, the cards have remained neglected on my bookshelf. But now, I intend to change that. Now I intend to journey through the deck and share my experiences here. I do not know precisely how long it will take, but a cursory glance at the deck has me hopeful. I anticipate a rewarding experience that will leave me with a deeper understanding of self-care to pass along to a weary world.

After an initial look through the deck, it appears to me that each card can be placed under the heading of one of five major themes: Childhood, Solitude/Spirituality, Goals/Priorities, Relationships/Connection, and Activities. They range in their advice from enigmatic words of wisdom that require a little bit of contemplation to very straightforward activities to promote self-care. Each card comes with a one-word title on the front, and on the back, a specific instruction followed by a few words of wisdom.

The cards are breathtakingly beautiful to look at, and an extra card in the deck credits three different artists: Corey Wolfe, Shirley Ann, and Jean-Paul Avisse. I have to say that as someone whose best friend is an artist, I appreciate that these artists' information came in the form of a card. It was on the bottom of the deck, but it none-the-less took a shape that made it blend in with the product itself, and made it more likely to be glanced at than if the artists' names were simply printed on the box or in tiny letters on the back of the card. Unfortunately, two of the URLs provided on the artist card appear to be out-of-date, and I could not seem to locate Shirley Ann of White Meadow Artwork. However, links to Wolfe and Avisse are provided should you wish to browse some stunning artwork.

Cards about children and childhood in relation to adulthood.

Playfulness

Tenderness

Passion

Opportunity

These are cards that are particularly contemplative/meditative in nature. Ironically, the "last" one in this set--that is, how I have chosen to organize the cards--is entitled "Action."

Time

Rest

Silence

Retreat

Peace

Wisdom

Awareness

Magnificence

Listening

Revelation

Faith

Action

Though I think these will have to be divided into a few different hubs, these are the cards relating to goals, priorities, and achievement. I'm particularly excited about applying these as I build up my massage business.

Independence

Intent

Boundaries

Priorities

Decisions

Choice

Self-Respect

Trust

Dreams

Achievement

Power

Risk

Progress

Courage

Goals

Wait

Patience

The cards with advice about relating to others.

Love

Truth

Friendship

Connection

Support

Help

Guidance

Gratitude

These cards suggest specific self-care activities

Self-Love

Clearing

Blessings

Rejuvenation

Reflect

Relaxation

Creativity

Dance

Release

Pleasure

Nature

Variety is the spice of life--and of self-care. The same activities over and over again can lose their positive effects over time. Keep your routines fresh. On the other hand, if a particular activity is still working for you, there's no need to throw it out yet. Use your own judgement. It's your self-care, after all.