Self-care isn’t just spa days and flights ✈️

Moya Mathison
July 22, 2025

This view whispered, “ It’s time to rest”

I’m writing this from the island of St. Maarten — my first real pause in a long while.

And not the “answer emails from the beach” kind of pause. A real one. Last week, I asked when you actually find time to read these notes…

And the most honest answer?

“Whenever I can sneak a quick second.”

Same, friend.

That’s why I keep these short, grounded, and easy to come back to — because life doesn’t slow down just because we need a minute.

And lately, I’ve needed a lot of those.The last 7 months have been full:

My son graduated college.
My daughter finished middle school.
I started this newsletter.
I’m prepping two new therapy groups — one for moms drowning in stress, another for preteens navigating friendships.

All beautiful.

All meaningful.

Also… exhausting.

And it got me thinking about self-care — the real kind.

I’m not someone who thinks self-care is all spa days and solo vacations (though those don’t hurt).

Honestly? I get just as much joy sitting by my fire pit with a good book and no one needing anything from me.

Because this is also self-care:

Getting up early for barre or Pilates even when I hate it. I really hate to work out
Trying to keep a bedtime that doesn’t leave me wrecked
Learning how to manage my worry instead of letting it rule my day
Finally scheduling the chiropractor to deal with this damn back pain
Remembering to do the bloodwork my doctor ordered months ago.

Sometimes self care is asking for help

Sometimes self-care is quiet discipline.

Sometimes it’s letting the laundry wait so you can breathe.

And this week?

Self-care is about disconnecting.

When I looked out the plane window and saw the ocean below, something in me softened.

It was like my body whispered:

You made it. You’re allowed to rest now.

🛠 One Tool:

The 5-Second Pause Practice

Before you jump in to fix, carry, or manage — try this:

🌀 One Gentle Reminder:

You don’t need to earn rest.

You don’t have to justify a break.

You’re allowed to care for yourself without a reason.

If you’re craving even five minutes of peace, I made this for you:

Just five minutes. Just for you.

P.S.

Two small therapy groups are coming this fall:

Calm in the Chaos – For moms managing stress, anxiety, and the invisible mental load
Navigating the Social Scene – For preteens (ages 11–13) building healthy friendship skills

If your gut says, “This might be for me (or my kid),” hit reply. I’ll send you early details.

Here’s to the real kind of self-care.

With you in it,

Moya

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