Pampered

I don’t know if you know this about me but I love taking care of others. I honestly do. Especially when those I care for appreciate it and express that appreciation.

It’s actually very frustrating to me when I have friends who don’t allow me to care for them – either out of their own independence or fear of imposing on me but that’s a post for another day and likely just one of the many pieces of luggage I carry as my baggage through life.

Over the last few months, I’ve been almost entirely focused on the care of others – because when you suddenly wake up and are the full-time 24/7 parent of a wounded teenager after 10 years of a part time parenting gig, you don’t think… you just do.

And let me emphasize – I Am Not Complaining.

I’ve loved the additional time with my giant and when he allows me to glimpse into his human side, it’s wonderful. But it’s not just Giant and I in the house…and it’s not just the Giant and I that are traveling down this rewarding yet sometimes frustrating path together. Three generations in the house often means that I have help… while sometimes it means that I have two other humans who need my care.

And as you might expect… that also means it’s even easier to put my own needs aside to care for all those around me.

Again I say – I AM NOT COMPLAINING.

Someone I care about, who often cares for me had the foresight to know that I would often put myself last in the list of people who need care. So, for Christmas, when we exchanged gifts over lunch, he presented me with a gift certificate to get a massage… That was MONTHS ago and I finally took the opportunity to cash that bad boy in over this past weekend. {I have lost count of the times I’ve thanked him for being so thoughtful} And let me say this… it was MAGICAL. But then I thought to myself – “Self, why stop there?” and I continued to take care of myself last weekend when in the house was only the dogs and cats under my watch. Giant was with his dad… My folks were out of town… and you know what? A few simple things I did just for me made all the difference in the world and when life resumed that Sunday, I was refreshed and rejuvenated. I felt completely pampered and that’s not a feeling that happens every day.

As I mentioned, it started with a fantastic Massage at Balance Wellness and Massage in Georgetown. The atmosphere was absolutely conducive to relaxation with soft lighting, ambient music softly piped into the rooms, and a masseuse who deftly massaged all of the tension out of my shoulders where I carry it most. What I didn’t expect was how amazing it would feel to have my face massaged as well. I could literally feel the stress leaving and when my hour was complete, I had to take a few minutes to regain my focus enough to drive.  If you are within driving distance, you should absolutely schedule an hour here and let someone else take care of you.

Once I got home, I decided to treat myself to a mini facial thanks to Sara & Jason who provided me with samples from the Rodan and Fields product line.  It started with ENHANCEMENTS Micro-Dermabrasion Paste – a high-glide, oil-free formula designed to promote maximum gentle exfoliation. Use intermittently to enhance cell turnover and improve skin tone and texture.
I won’t say that I noticed a difference in my skin right away from the look of it, but holy hell I could FEEL a difference. My skin was smooth and felt fresh afterwards. The package recommends you use this 2-3 times per week in place of normal cleanser and I can definitely see how this would make a difference in your skin with repeated usage.

I followed it up with the REDEFINE Night Renewing Serum… yes, I realize that I should have done so at night – hence the name – but what can I say?  I’m a rebel and I wanted to see what it was like.  

    Each REDEFINE Night Renewing Serum capsule contains a potent, proprietary blend of peptides and retinol to visibly improve skin texture and firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Retinol, favored by dermatologists for decades, improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores.

It went on smooth and satiny and honestly, once it was on, I couldn’t feel it at all – unlike some serums that leave me feeling as though I am wearing a mask.  I honestly couldn’t stop touching my skin it felt so soft.  That probably defeats the purpose of a clean face considering the oils in our fingers but oh well… 

Also included was the REDEFINE Lip renewing serum. “Each peptide and antioxidant-rich capsule helps lips retain natural moisturizing factors, smoothes lip texture and reduces the appearance of lip wrinkles.” This went on much thicker than the Night Serum, but when I woke the next morning after using it that night, my perpetually chapped and dry lips… weren’t.  It was kinda miraculous.

Look, it’s great to care for others.  It can fill your heart and soul in ways that few things can… but sometimes?  Sometimes you have to pamper yourself.  You are absolutely worth it.  

Join in for another month of Prompts with the Axis of Ineptitude!