Susie Ziegler is not shy when asking for money. In fact, it’s her job, and one that she’s very, very good at. She excels at raising millions of dollars for an academic institution while juggling MBA classes, a healthy marriage, two cute pups, and various civic commitments including her duties as VP of Fund Development with the Junior League of Grand Rapids. And she makes all of it look easy. Her secret? Understanding that self-care is not an indulgence, it’s a necessity.
When LaMonika Taylor was faced with the daunting task of working full-time from home while also managing remote learning for her kids as a result of the continuing pandemic, she was, understandably, overwhelmed. But, she realized fairly quickly that in order to get through it, she’d need to prioritize her self-care.
As we wind down from the madness that 2020 has wrought and prepare to usher in a much better year (hopefully), let’s be intentional on taking care of our minds, bodies, and spirits. In the Self-Care Journal series, we’ll be talking with three extraordinary women about their strategies for prioritizing self-care in their everyday lives.
In Part One, we speak with Catherine Toppin, Partner at Chicago-based law firm, Fitch Even Tabin & Flannery LLP.
How much time do you allow yourself to simply be still??
Learning to be still requires a willingness to be intentional in making time to be still. And while it might seem impossible or even unrealistic to seek out a moment of peace given the daily grind of Zoom meetings, meeting family obligations, and managing life amid a seemingly unceasing pandemic, doing so is not only recommended, it’s a necessary component of taking care of ourselves.
It’s been a long year. And it’s been a hard year. While I have hope that the new year will bring us some much-needed leadership at the national level on everything from the pandemic to the continued fight against systemic racism, I need a break. And that’s why this month’s issue is dedicated to three simple words/mandates – Rest. Recharge. Reset.
Take this month to rest.
Take this month to refill that cup of yours which has been running on empty for some time now.
Take this month to really take stock of what’s working and what’s not. Make your action plan. Set your timeline. And then do it.
But, first – REST. Take the time to take care of you. Because you deserve it. Because you need it. Because it is critical to your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
So, as we officially wind down one of the most difficult, anxiety-ridden, fear-inducing, “I’ve had more than enough” years in modern history, consider this your official permission to rest and be well.
