When I think about being here completely, it is my being present in the moment, having an awareness of what is going on with me at all times. I’m talking about self-care versus self-aware, it’s really my version of mindfulness and not always easy to achieve.

It can mean simply acknowledging physical feelings I am having or maybe checking in with my body to see how it is doing. It is taking my internal pulse to reconnect with myself and usually involves taking a breath or two as I close my eyes and look inward. I may take a moment to reflect on how my body is feeling or even zero in on specific parts of my body. It is a great way to figure out what is aching and then do a quick stretch to help relieve any tension.

I can also do a check on my mental state. Much of my day is spent on auto-pilot doing what needs to be done. By bringing an awareness to otherwise mundane activities, I find I can appreciate them more and even find pleasure in completing them. I can better understand what is happening within by staying in touch on a regular basis. If I am having a regular conversation with my psyche, I am not surprised by cranky outbursts because I see them coming and can derail the process before it happens. My husband may wonder why I talk to myself, but if it helps me cope then I’m doing it.

I wish I could say that I am one of those people who is always mindful and constantly in the moment, but not really. I still have my mental side trips and tend to ignore achiness in my body rather than deal with it, yet I am trying. You can tell when I am doing my check-ins because they are accompanied by a deep sigh or a whispered personal comment. My husband almost always asks me what is wrong and I tell him nothing. The reality is that I am trying to make sure everything is right as I work to recalibrate my day.