I've mentioned this before, but self-care is trending more than usual these days, not only in the land of social media, but the corporate world, and of course, the writing world. After all, without taking care of ourselves, we are less productive and more prone to burnout, which, to be blunt, isn't good for business. 

The problem with self-care is that sometimes it can take a lot of energy. I understand the arguments for hot baths, yoga, exercise, face masks, essential oils, hiking, working out, but sometimes just the idea of filling the tub is too much. This brings me to yesterday's session with Mollie Cox Bryan at the Virginia Romance Writers October meeting. Mollie spoke with us about ways to write 1,000 words a day, and a bit about her process, and later talked about how to write a cozy mystery. 

In her recommendations for ways to write 1,000 words a day, Mollie talked about taking a minute to clear your head, having a consistent start time, realistic goals, a mission statement, and rituals like lighting a candle or having music in the background. Mollie also spoke about the power of writing a letter to yourself, and that's what stuck with me. 

I've never written to myself, and though I consider myself to be my toughest boss and critic, this exercise allowed me to look at myself as my number one employee. 

Here's the prompt: 

Letter to yourself: 

Write a letter to yourself-- give an annual review like you're the boss of yourself. 

• Where do you need to improve?

• Remind yourself of what you're good at.

• How will you incorporate what you've learned here?

• How will you measure success?

• How will you reward yourself?

I have found this exercise to be so meaningful. It didn't take much time, was free, and put me on the path of a three-hour existential self-assessment for the entire evening. Now that is an excellent return on my investment when we're talking about different self-care strategies.

Since this is my blog, and I strive to be an open book (pun intended), I'll go ahead and share mine now.  

Letter to myself

Dear Kathryn, 

 Thank you for all of your dedication and hard work. It is absolutely amazing how you continue to raise the bar for yourself. You have gone through so much and yet have not given up. You are a teacher who is doing a fantastic job with your additional responsibilities this year. I know how all of this is out of your comfort zone and gives you so much anxiety. And yet, you go on. 

 You have a family and are a published author of a beautiful book that people have loved, including your family. Now that you've fulfilled your dream of publishing, you continue to blog, learn, and reach out to others. So many people are watching in awe of what you're doing.

 Your younger self wanted everything you have. Your older self is going to be so proud and grateful that you are sowing the seeds of success now. You are thirty. So many people would give anything to go back and be where you are now. Please allow yourself to be proud. No one other than you knows all of the heart-breaking things you have endured, so celebrating the magnitude of your achievements is up to you. You deserve to celebrate your successes. After all, you are in your own category. I don't know of another person who is working full-time, continuing their education, publishing two books in eleven months, and having a toddler. Stop trying to compare yourself to others. 

 I see a lot of potential for growth as well. Don't worry so much. Keep doing your best, and take comfort in the fact that your best is more than enough. I can't wait to read your next book and see what happens with National Board Certification. I know you've written a schedule and that you have this well in hand. I understand you'll get back to the new content when the edit is done. You've done an excellent job keeping the blog going, and now have over 50 different posts, which is incredible. I'd like to see you transfer some of that energy to more creative work. If you can blog every Sunday afternoon, you can write every Friday evening, even if it's just 100 words. I believe in you.

 Congratulations on all your success! I know you're not done yet, and I can't wait to keep watching you grow. 

Thank you, and congratulations on being Employee of the Year! Your copyright just came in the mail. I know that has got to be a great feeling.

Kathryn 

PS-Say hello to your husband for me. I know how much he helps you at home, so you can do your best here.