Self Care A Novels & Stories

She knew it was bad but she still didn't care. She began to wash herself, then she also decided to shave. Throughout the whole shower, Valentina kept thinking of what she wanted to do today. Then suddenly, she had the perfect idea of what big change she could do. She could have a self care day. It would help to relieve her anger and stress. But she forgot that she still had to go to work today. The training time for her trainees didsn't start until 4 PM so she would be ready by then. When she was done, she stepped out of the shower and walked back to her room.

Though I wasn’t sure we needed an entire day of spa treatments. "I’m surprised you don’t get this often. Self-care is very important, especially when you’re married to someone like Jaxon." I eyed her curiously. "What does that mean?" I didn’t mean to sound harsh but my words were a little more bitter than I intended. My mom clearly didn’t seem to notice.

Hartman's concern was a wake-up call—an invitation to prioritize self-care, not just for my sake but for the sake of the precious life entrusted to me. As he continued his examination, Dr. Hartman spoke with a compassionate tone, his words an oasis of guidance amidst the arid landscape of uncertainty. "Stress can have a profound impact on both you and the baby," he explained, his voice a soothing balm for my weary soul. "I urge you to find moments of respite, to engage in activities that bring you joy and tranquility. Rest your mind, for it is during these moments of stillness that your body and the baby can truly rejuvenate."

I couldn't start thinking about him now or I would not be able to do anything. My room smelled like old coffee and stress. June was not around at the moment. I muttered to myself, “Step one. Just… get up.” My feet hit the cold floor. Step one accomplished. Big whoop. In the bathroom mirror my eyes were puffy, eyeliner smeared from yesterday. I heard Dr. Hall again: Be gentle with yourself. Start by taking care of your body. Fine. Toothbrush. Face wash. Warm water. I focused on the small circles my fingers made, like erasing a bad sketch. The girl looking back at me still seemed tired but less ghostlike.

He must really be furious. Next on the list, family, fiancé, news. Obviously going with the news first and local authorities. Avoiding anything that feels heavy at the moment. I’m not missing, and the circus can end. A phone call most likely won’t be enough so I’ll need to be on my way for proof. Before that happens, I remember Reed saying to make myself feel at home. And the red light sauna seems perfect for a couple minutes. I flip the switches and let the heat hug me one more time before getting dressed and saying goodbye to this perfect escape. I’m just making it a long goodbye.

The ache in my wounds deepened. I stood before the mirror and pulled off my dress. The reflection showed raw, red welts and bleeding cuts crisscrossing my body. I remembered how, even the smallest scratch on my finger was enough for Joseph to fuss over. He would clean it himself, wrap it carefully, forbid the maids to take over. And now, I picked up a damp wipe, awkwardly twisting my body to clean the gashes. The sting of the alcohol was sharp. I leaned against the chair back, biting my lip, afraid to breathe too hard through the pain.

Patricia uttered. “How do you plan to rectify the harm caused by your past?” Sofia flung another question. “By taking care of myself.” Patricia answered. Sofia furrowed her face, confused. “Taking care of yourself?” Patricia nodded. “Yeah, you know, it’s impossible to pour from an empty cup, so I have to take proper care of myself first. It matters. My well being will always come first in order to take bold step and tackle all the seen and unseen challenges which are on their ways.”

The emotional self-erasure. The familiar instinct to choose everyone else first appeared again. But this time— the pattern paused. Breathed slowly. And whispered internally— “What if choosing myself is not abandonment?” Pain moved softly through the network. Not selfishness. Balance. My chest tightened sharply. “That’s why self-care feels emotionally unfamiliar for many people.” “Yes.” “Because they were taught their needs mattered only after everyone else was satisfied first.” Exactly. And perhaps many souls remain emotionally exhausted because they keep treating themselves like someone they must always sacrifice before deserving peace.

Useful strangers catalogued with the care of a woman assembling a human toolbox and pretending that is not emotionally grim. She writes: AHEAD. Then, underneath: Not safe. Important distinction. LUS comes online with a cool pressure behind her eye. Full assessment available. “Nothing says self-care like being audited by the ghost of a defense contractor.” I am not a ghost. “Still unclear on the defense contractor part.” No response. Maya smiles faintly and turns the page. “Go on.” A structured list appears in her mind, precise and invasive. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT — STRONG. CACHE DISTRIBUTION — ADEQUATE.

“Now, if you will excuse me, I would really like to shower, since I had a double workout today.” I stand and leave the tea party without waiting to hear any of their responses. I did my duty and played nice for a short while, but now I need to focus on myself and my needs, and my current need is to shower and practice some self care so my mind and body can be refreshed and ready for the week ahead and all I will face come morning. But I am not even halfway down the hall to my apartment when I am again waylaid. This time, by Alpha Dominic.