Future Self Care

I was so taken with an article I read recently in the New York Times about procrastination, that it’s been buzzing around in my head for weeks. Specifically, this quote: “Dr. Hershfield’s research has shown that, on a neural level, we perceive our “future selves” more like strangers than as parts of ourselves. When we procrastinate, parts of our brains actually think that the tasks we’re putting off — and the accompanying negative feelings that await us on the other side — are somebody else’s problem.”

Now, I’m not a huge procrastinator… but I think there’s something about the mental separation between present, past, and future selves that really rings true here. And it got me to wondering… what would it be like to make an effort to be kinder to those familiar strangers, our past and future selves? So our challenge this month is to do exactly that. To do something nice for our future self, every day, and to reflect on the kindness our past self has shown us. Maybe it’s getting a chore done early, so tomorrow’s load is lighter. Maybe it’s making a particular food you like ahead of time, so you have it ready for yourself. Maybe you can make your bed more consistently, or clean something up that you wouldn’t ordinarily have gotten to for awhile. Be creative! What would you appreciate someone else doing for you? This challenge offers a chance to build mental and emotional resilience, and treat yourself with healthy kindness.

Daily:
Do something to take care of your future self
Appreciate something your past self has done!

Reflection:
This challenge was tough for me. Doing something ‘extra’, no matter who benefits, is often especially challenging when you’re in chronic pain and short on spoons. I did manage it on some days, though, and it felt really good to celebrate my accomplishments, no matter how humble. We’re all on the road to somewhere. Be kind to travelers.