I have no idea where January went, but February is going at lightning speed. My goal for this year is to give meaning to my time. In 2022 I found that I just filled in the blank times with things that needed doing or managing instead of planning them out ahead. I really need to be mindful of my time both working and down time.
2022 seemed to be a time to reconnect with ourselves, or try to. I’m not sure that everyone was able to do that. For some reason, a lot of people had taken the ‘me’ time and turned it into a ‘I’m taking care of me, but too bad about you’ thing. I was seeing a disconnect of being kind to themselves, but can’t seem to balance it with being kind to others. I think it may have to do with the aftermath of the pandemic, self isolation, and of course other factors that may include our bigger governing body that sets grounds for our country.
So, if I may be so bold as to say, be gentle with yourself and also be gentle with people around you in everyday life. Try doing a small kindness for others along with a smile. It may be just letting them in line in front of you at the grocery store, with a smile. If you are walking and you are passing someone coming in the opposite direction, smile and say hello. Hold the door open for someone, with a smile. Give it a try, see how it works, it may just make you feel a little bit better, and not cost you a thing.
February Blues?
Pamper time! Get those toes and fingers looked after, pedicures and manicures, a fresh coat of polish in a bold new colour. Check out my price list under services. Lots of exfoliation to be done, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Get a fresh new haircut, or have an Indian Head Massage done, have you tried one of these? So many of my clients are repeat customers because they just love this service. They tell me it relaxes the soul!
Moisturizing Hand Cream
I told you in a previous blog that I was going to give you a hand cream recipe and here it is. I love this one because it is all natural and you could basically eat it (although I wouldn’t recommend it, probably not the tastiest). I have given samples of this cream to friends and family to test out and they all gave it a thumbs up! Let me know how you like it.
6 Tbsp coconut oil (not fractionated)
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp beeswax pellets
3-1/2 Tbsp shea butter
6-10 drops essential oils (optional), *careful of photosensitivity of citrus oils
Mix first 4 ingredients in a double boiler on medium heat (beeswax may take a while to melt), stirring occasionally. If you want to add essential oils, let mix cool down about 10 to 15 minutes and then add oils. and mix thoroughly.
At this point you can either pour in airtight container and let cool overnight with lids off.
If you want a whipped version, use a hand mixer and whip on low to medium until the desired consistency is achieved. Put in airtight container.
To use: Massage a quarter size dollop onto fingers and massage into fingers, around nails and hands and even lower arms. Repeat as often as needed because it is all natural and is being absorbed by your body (bonus: no harm to body!). Use up within 6 months. Although it won’t go bad because there is no water in it, so it will keep well.
*A note about clean up. Scrape as much of product into containers as possible, and then use rubbing alcohol to get the rest of it off utensils. then you can wash as usual.
Enjoy!
Sandra A. Murphy Reflexology 