In this Take Good Care – I Want My Garden To Be Series, I’ll be sharing takeaway ideas to create the garden you’ve felt you really needed. (You’ve read the Intention series, yes? And gotten to the Heart of the Matter, too?)

Sometimes, it feels like everyone in the entire world wants a piece of me.

Maybe you’re like me: one part caregiver and advocate for an aging parent; one part spouse; one part friend; one part enterprising business person; one part 2-and-4-legged parent; one part adoptive-momma-wanna-be; one part just trying to be simply human… and dare I say, one part just trying to stay present.

Your time, care, brilliance, and compassion start to feel like commodities on the stock exchange. And where are you in all of this?

(Case in point: My writing time was just interrupted by my husband and Chief Stand by-Supporter-Mechanical-Wonderman needing a water heater serial number…warranty issues. Hold on, let me fetch that.)

Back now and proof – it’s always something. And there will always be something or someone. That demand on your time just always seems to be present, and if you can manage to get through it and stay mostly sane with a bit of wit, you’re a winner-winner-chicken-dinner.

Right?

Okay, confession time: My name is Annie, and I’m an Overgiver-er:Overdoer-er.

And I need a Do-Not-Disturb Zone.

Why the DND Zone Is Crucial

Though there may not be a 12-step program specifically for Overgiver-ers just yet and stopping short of getting all into that “I was raised to be this way” thing, our friend, science is clear on what overgiving, chronic stress and neglecting self-care can do to us and why boundaries and new practices help us heal. In sum, decreasing stress (which lowers cortisol, the stress hormone) and our reach to #takegoodcare – being mindful of our needs, too – does help the command center – our brains – function for the better. We’re talking better memory, sleep, resilience, and possibly fewer pharmacologic interventions for depression and anxiety.

Nature helps us Overgiver-ers/Overdoer-ers and is vital for our happiness, and yes, for our survival.

That Nature right outside our doorstep, she has our back. Just like we do for so many.

Are we mindful of the power of Nature & creating a space for what we need?

Mindfulness happens inside and outside of us, and our gardens can support that. Our connection to the earth is so important, and it is so easy to forget in the hustle and bustle. But while you’re taking care of everything else, you need that place you can return to for you.

Restorative Garden ROI – What is crafting my space really worth?

Making the space to do something just for you can feel like an incredibly hard choice to make – indulgent, self-centered, excessive. You’re so used to living in service for others that taking a moment to establish a go-to place for healing and recovery can feel selfish.

Nothing could be further from the truth, Red Bird. Your space reflects your desires and what you want from your life – and that trickles right into the relationships in your life.

So what can your outdoor living space give you?

Renew. Thrive. Flourish.

It allows for the “Just let me alone with ZERO demands on my mind” time that you need to fill back up. It gives your emotional batteries time to recharge. It gives you that overdue Birds-Bugs-Dirt time to reconnect you with the Earth.

Your subconscious can find a sense of natural rhythm. (Remember, your unique space is in your DNA.)

It allows your mind time to sort through the input you’ve taken in throughout the day so you can problem solve. It makes room to connect with your Higher Being / God / Goddess / dearly departed.

These results = return to a better sense of self or homeostasis (or a newer meditation term for me: equanimity). Come read on, and see what you think…

Homeostasis

ˌhōmēəˈstāsəs

noun

the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes..

Equanimity

ˌekwəˈnimədē

noun

mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.: “she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity“.

Holy wow. How would it feel to be able to accept the good and the bad with calmness? With the knowledge that at the end of it all, you could return home, recharge, and move through challenges with acceptance and intentionality?

How To Bring Equanimity To Your Restorative Garden

• Try communion with intentionally & purposely selected #BeautyandBenefitPlants to #GetYourBloomOn!  Selecting the best, most appealing flora has proven to improve performance and energy, relationships, concentration and memory.
• Create a Weed & Water Mantra: Adopted from a great conversation long ago with garden trends advocate, Suzi McCoy of #GardenMedia, find a couple of favorite self-care affirmations and repeat over and over while taking care of the (thankfully) mundane garden tasks. This #mindfulness treat allows your mind to rest on positivity during a non-demanding cognitive task and viola! #thriveoutsidehealinside. (Special note: my grandma used to say her Hail Mary’s while doing such tasks. Ritual is golden.)

So what does your DND zone look like?

I’ll tell ya, mine’s a work in progress. Wanna see? I’ll share mine, if you share yours!

Share about yours in the comments or post on the ‘Gram (Instagram that is) using #RestoreOutdoors and follow/tag me (annieredbird). I’d love to see how you – by way of your restorative garden – #takegoodcare of your precious Red Bird self.