Self-Care Is Needed--My Reflections on 2025 Thus Far

 

Disclosure: I was sent this package for origami paper in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

For 2025 I chose the word hope as my word for the year. I am hoping the word will bring me some peace even at the darkest times. I know it hasn't really worked thus far. My 2024 ended a bit rough. Hazel got sick with Covid and then pneumonia. It was a long recovery, and she is finally better. Steve and I went to Connecticut in January to celebrate my mom's birthday. We had a lovely time and then my mom got the flu and had to be hospitalized. She just returned from rehab last week. The health issues seem to be all around this winter. My school was remote on Friday so they could clean out the building. Then there is the politics.

Hazel began telling me how scared and worried she was at the beginning of the year. It only got worse as January 20th approached. Then I feel like our world or at least country has gone into a state of chaos. Everyone I talk to or at least the women I talk to say how they are all just feeling overwhelmed. I know I am. I know Hazel is. It has been too much. On his first day President Trump attacked the transgender community. This affects many of my students as well as Hazel's friends. Then there is the whole DEI attack. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These are three things I have been fighting to have for decades now. Included in DEI are many of the women's rights. I don't think many of the females who like President Trump get that. I can go on and on about my political views, but it won't help. I know I often will take a news break when I feel this way, but I have Hazel texting and calling me so stressed out over it all, a break isn't working. I realized I was so overwhelmed I was having trouble with everything. I needed a break. I used a snow day as a self-care day. It helped a lot!

That day I slept in late--later than I ever do. I am finding whenever I can sleep in, I am now. I took a relaxing bath that day and I spent the day crafting. I watched the news to see the weather reports (and thankfully our local news focuses on the weather whenever it snows). I read a book. Yes, I took care of me. It is something I hardly ever do for an entire day. Steve knew I needed it and just let me be. The cats came and cuddled with me and enjoyed having me home. It wasn't much and it didn't change the chaos going on in the world, but it gave me the bit of respite that I desperately need. I found that over the last week I have been a bit less stressed and am not feeling like every little thing could make me cry. So, if you are feeling completely overwhelmed schedule yourself a self-care day!

In this crazy time women need to remember it is ok to say no. We do not have to hold it all together as the men in charge are destroying our country. You especially don't have to if you didn't vote for the men. Remember you cannot take care of others if you fall apart. Take the time to give yourself what you need. Along with my self-care day I had this beautiful pack of Origami Paper 100 Sheets Cherry Blossom 8 1/4" to share with you. I started making some origami hearts because it was just before Valentine's Day. I actually made some from this pack as well as a smaller pack of origami paper with cherry blossoms that I have shared previously and was going to make a mobile but never got around to it. Then since it was larger paper, I wanted to make something that the size would matter. I found this tutorial to make a heart shaped box. The box will be bigger with the larger sheet.

Here are all my projects made with this paper so far.

I love these origami papers. The designs on them are beautiful! The paper is a wonderful quality as well. 

From the Publisher:

This paper pack contains 100 large (8.25 inch) origami sheets printed with beautiful Cherry Blossom patterns on one side and coordinating colors on the back.

These colorful origami papers were developed to enhance the creative work of origami artists and paper crafters. The pack contains 12 unique color combinations, with coordinating colors printed on both sides provide aesthetically pleasing combinations in origami models that show both the front and back.

This origami paper pack includes:

• 100 sheets of high-quality origami paper
• 12 unique color combinations
• Double-sided color
• 8.25 x 8.25 inch (21 cm) sheets
• Step-by-step instructions for 5 easy-to-fold origami projects.

Inspired by Traditional Japanese Artwork: In Japanese art and culture, cherry blossoms (or sakura) historically have symbolized nature's transience. They also represent springtime, renewal or fresh starts, beauty and strength, and romance. In fact, cherry blossoms are such a powerful motif in Japan that it is customary for people to participate in ohanami ("flowering viewing") at the beginning of every spring. During ohanami people have picnics in parks to celebrate the changing season and observe gorgeous cherry blossoms blooming.

So, if you are feeling overwhelmed with the craziness in the world, be sure to give yourself some time to care for you. Show yourself some love, take time to relax and do what you need. It will help!! I promise. Now let's try to find some hope in this craziness!