#selfacare

A self care guide to moving country /going to another college/leaving home

1.       Make goodbyes, now, this should not equate a definitive or permanency in never seeing each other again... the people who are meant to be in your life, will be in your life, trust me. However, you do have to reach a degree of resonance or finality, at least with this certain chapter of your life, goodbyes are important because to some extent you are saying goodbye to the people or relationships that have been formed in that moment and in one way that relationship dynamic will change or drift or even become closer, but other than that the memories and the connections and methods of behaviours need to be cherished and respected. In order to do this perhaps have a goodbye party and invite all class acquaintances, best friends, neighbours, music teachers, people from your music/orchestra/respective club to come.

2.       Next, with close friends and any friend who we loved my favourite thing to do was to make personalised notes. A guideline for these notes include the best memories ever shared with them, choose 3 and try to write them in depth if you can, next is to find a few pictures that hold a lot of sentimental value, perhaps debs or prom or social events pictures or really ugly brace face or cheesy pictures taken on photo booth or webcam or even those forced and very staged pictures taken by  your parents... Next is to compose a list of all your mutual favourite songs or movies or shows that you have each shared together or would just like to give as a symbol of significance and remembrance. This can be put into a collage book or a PowerPoint presentation or a CD, or just a card and letter, all are suitable and lovely to have as a keepsake or for nostalgic value

3.       This step is solely for your own self reflection. Find three or more items in your household that are small enough to fit into a box yet remind you of a beautiful and pleasant memory that holds a lot of value for you. This could be a seashell from the beach close to your house where lots of giggles and stolen kisses with someone special to you was shared, or maybe its a stone from your back garden, the place where you used to sit with your cat or dog or self when you were sad or feeling a little blue. It could also be a teddy bear or pressed flower, literally any item that you hold sacred and put it into an old shoe box or decorated box, depending on what you want. Then find the wrapper of your favourite sweets or food item that perhaps specific to your acquired taste at this moment in time or specific to the country or place you are currently residing in, place this into the box. Maybe if you feel like going an extra mile, write down the recipe of your favourite food at this moment or your favourite dish from that country or place(again ) or something that your grandfather/mother/dad/mom/brother/uncle/cousin/best friend makes that you absolutely adore and keep this for a rainy day when you particularly miss them