Dating : Challenge: A 24 hour date with yourself

What would you do if you had no errands to run, nobody to take care of, no prior engagements, and no company for 24 hours? Does the idea of spending that much time with yourself give you anxiety? Would you immediately call up your available friends and make plans? Would you spend the time binge watching your favourite TV Show? Perhaps you use the time to catch up on the things you rarely have the time to do?

As adults, so often our days are filled with routine; we care for our children, parents or spouses, and fulfill our work and home obligations while letting the days and weeks pass us by. In doing so, however, we neglect to give an appropriate amount of time to caring for the most important aspect of our lives, and that’s ourselves.

Just recently, my husband was away, my dog Rudy was with him and I had no plans with anyone, to do anything for 24 hours. I was excited! It’s rare to have this luxury and so I wanted to ensure I made the most of my new-found time. I considered calling up friends and family who I don’t have the opportunity to see often, but instead, opted to get reacquainted with myself. After all, if I don’t want to spend time with myself, who will!

I felt it was important to start with something I found relaxing and so off to the nail spa I went. Such an interesting place, the nail salon is; you can tell a lot about your current state simply by the colour of polish you select. Am I feeling adventurous today and should therefore go with something bright and unexpected? Am I feeling introspective and should therefore go with something darker and solemn? Do I want my nail colour to make a statement and stand out, or do I want my nails to blend in as part of a greater outfit? The options, like our emotions, are endless. I was in a good mood this day and so, bright yellow I selected! I sat in my massage chair, caught up on some fictional reading and was pleasantly pampered.

Feeling oh so happy with my newly coiffed nails, it was hardly time to head home. I needed to show them off after all, and so, I took myself and my yellow nails out for lunch. Keeping with the theme of pampering myself, I opted for a hip restaurant and not just some fast food joint. There, I told the hostess I only needed a seat for one and happily plopped myself right at the bar; I ordered a large glass of white wine and some sushi. For awhile I people watched. I enjoyed watching the children so excited to be taken out of their routine and order something they would never be allowed at home, I watched a couple awkwardly navigating what could have only been their first or second date, and I watched a gentleman, also at the bar, now on his second pint. Perhaps he too considered himself on a date with himself? After a full belly, I took out my journal.

I must admit, journaling is a relatively new addition to my repertoire. I decided I needed to start one because as I work through my sales and self improvement books, I needed a place to jot down the exercises, my goals and my journey. I spent the time at the restaurant contemplating questions like

“Is there a problem that needs work?

“Do I need to make changes and how would I begin to make those changes?”

“Am I capable of doing more than I am today?”

“How can I be more efficient so that I can add more?”

Feeling reinvigorated and highly accomplished, I decided now was the perfect time to bring my ever-so-slightly intoxicated self to the grocery store. Today I had the opportunity to select whatever I wanted for dinner and snacks without having to compromise or feel any two ways about it. I picked myself up a fresh baguette, some Dutch cheese, a few olives, a bag of chips, and got a bottle of red wine to round it all out.

Once home, I applied a face mask and catapulted myself into a warm bubble bath. I sat there and let all of the pressures of the world wash off me. I have also been working on meditation and positive self talk (CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT MY MORNING ROUTINE) and here it was, my ultimate test. Without my phone in my hand, a book to read, a TV to distract me, or an Instagram feed to get lost in, I had nothing but my own thoughts. I spent the next 10 minutes trying to focus on nothing, and by nothing I mean everything. What’s the weather suppose to be tomorrow, did I send that email to my client, shoot I forgot to go to the bank today, and I wonder what Rudy is up to However, every time a new thought would enter, I would do my very best to push the thought out and go back to listening to my breath. It’s still a work in progress.

After my bath, I put on my “comfies”, made a nice platter with all of my snacks, splayed myself on the couch and let myself get lost in catching up on some of my favourite TV shows. I drank a glass, or two, of my wine, laughed and cried along with the episodes, all very cathartic. Not even 10pm and I was off to bed for what would be the most uninterrupted and deep sleeps of any present time I could remember.

I can’t say the last time 6am rolled around and I was this rested, and excited to hop out of the bed. It was a warm morning and so I made myself a cup of coffee, grabbed my computer and sat outside where it was just me and the singing birds. For the most part, I worked on my blog and at times just stared off into the trees and then the sky. I always find there’s something very peaceful when you look at the sky; it somehow makes you realize how insignificant you are, and that can oddly put your problems into perspective.

There was one last thing I had time for before my date with myself would be over, which was a workout. I try to exercise 3–4 days during the work week. I view it as just another item to check off of my lengthy “to do” list. Today, however, I wanted take the time to appreciate my workout, most notably appreciate my body and it’s ability to get me through what would be 30 minutes of awkward yoga poses but also it’s ability to carry me through life. Considering what we put our bodies through, how often do you really take the time to give thanks to the vessel that allows you to accomplish all of your goals. Thank you body, thank you.

I understand that not all of us can find the time to truly take 24 hours to ourselves, but I encourage you to try; without most of the routine distractions, I was actually able to get to know myself again. I listened to my body, my feelings, put some unresolved issues behind me and worked on focusing on the aspects of my life that have full control over; I started the week invigorated and wonderfully alive. Most importantly, I realized that I am a pretty damn good date.