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C08P18 – Apology
Personal space, Dreameater. PERSONAL SPACE.
Some really great writing advice on the previous page! Thank you to everyone that shared their tips and tricks!
I mentioned a few pages back how busy I’ve been. I’ve been noticing a lot of health issues cropping up. Back muscles that seize, chronic head-aches, insomnia, weight gain…little things that add up over time. I used to attend yoga classes, and after that Tai Chi, but haven’t done either in the last year. I’ve been devoting all of my time and money to this story and growing my small business around it, so whenever I thought about going to a class I always said “I don’t have the time,” and “I don’t have the money.” However, the stress level got so bad last week that I decided I had to do something, and the easiest way to get around those excuses was to buy a yoga DVD. Total cost: $9. And I don’t even have to leave my house or get out of my PJs to practice. No more excuses! It arrived two days ago and so far…I think I really, really needed this.
It’s amazing how much flexibility and stamina I’ve completely lost. I knew I’d lost a little, but I had no idea it was that bad. More encouragingly, I’m surprised at how much just 20 minutes of stretching can improve my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. I feel better about myself and my body, and feel more equipped to tackle the challenges of the day. I’m very excited to make yoga a part of my routine again. I’m also glad that this time it’s a solo activity. It’s allowed me to recognize some of the background noise of my mind. When I was in a class, I was always trying to push myself to be stronger, better, more precise, more correct. Had to do things perfectly. Couldn’t show any sign of strain. I told myself I was doing it for the teacher. That I was trying to make them happy. When those feelings come up when I’m alone, I realize that there was never that external pressure. It’s me, and it’s always been me. I’m certainly not going to hurt the DVD’s feelings if I don’t do things perfectly! So while I do feel a little less militantly focused, I also feel a lot more relaxed and at peace…which is kinda the point, right? 
What are you doing for your personal well-being?
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AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH YAY!!!!! Go Robin!! This is good to hear — self-care is super important, and ridiculously easy to leave on the back burner for too long. You never realize you’re neglecting yourself until something breaks and then you’re stuck trying to fix the pieces.
Personally, I get free counseling services included in my tuition, so I always schedule an appointment at least once a semester. More, if I feel like I honestly need to talk to someone, about anything. And kickboxing at the gym. (I’m terrible at consistently attending, but when I do, oh GOD it’s such a wonderful outlet.)
And I wish, I wish, I WISH I could record the bizarre sounds that came from my mouth as I read this page. XD
Oh my God Dreameater/Zhiro’s face in the second panel. You smug little — XDXDXD I can’t. I’m laughing too hard right now. What is English. He’s just so very pleased with himself for making poor Mizha squirm XD
Good God Dream Eater are you enjoying yourself or what YOU’RE NOT EVEN PRETENDING NOT TO OH MY GOD. You’re so bad Dream Eater. Don’t stop. I think this is the most charged exchange so far, just can’t wait to see what’s coming next, where it’s going, and how they react to each other. Something gives me the impression Zhiro hasn’t spoken plainly to Mizha before; even if I didn’t know about the racial barrier I would be able to get that impression from their body language.
It’s funny how ill many people care for themselves, yet are very giving to others.
Me, I’m once again at my heaviest, so i’m cutting back on some foods.
I also have a chiropractor who is amazing and helps keep me healthy with more than just chiropracty.If you ever meet someone who practices TBM…it’s really cool.
I’ve also been walking more – just 30 mins a day is said to make all the difference.
Does she NOT realize that Zhiro is not himself? Is she that blinded? I mean really Zhiro never acts this forward, like EVER.
If I was her, I would assume he was just acting funny because he’s feverish and probably about to die.
Hell, if I was going to be executed in a few hours, I would want to say what was actually on my mind for once, too.
Malepartus and I were talking last night and we realized something — has ANYONE ever spoken to Mizha like this before? So frank and in-her-face? Tama’s the kind of guy who would say exactly what’s on his mind in the most blunt way possible, but he’s also her brother, so socially speaking he has permission to do that; Zhiro obviously would NEVER do that in a million years, and even if he can’t, probably wouldn’t try it due to the racial barrier; their father seems… too distant for it; and pretty much everyone else is of an entirely different social class, so it’s doubtful they’d dare behave this way toward someone who’s essentially an imperial princess.
“even if he could,” excuse me. Gah. I can’t speak English today.
…I blame Dreameater.
While I can’t say I do much “active” self care I’m a firm believer in doing things I enjoy. Not necessarily something big, just making sure I have a day where I can grab a comic from my pile or play a game or whatever else I might feel like.
That and having somebody willing to listen to my complaining usually covers it these days.
Watching the sun come up in the swimming pool every morning. If I feel like it I swim; if I don’t, I just walk around in the water. But there’s something very centering about greeting the new day alone.
Mizha really IS oblivious, isn’t she? When you’re so focused on yourself, it’s hard to see what’s going on around you. It’s amazing how realistic your characters are.
This is going to end sooooo badly. D: D: D:
‘Stress drawing’, I’ve recently discovered, is extremely therapeutic. When I’m struggling with coloring or flagwork or just feel super out of it, I find something to draw on and with, sit down and just draw whatever. It doesn’t even have to be serious, it just needs to take my mind off things. I often find that by the time I’m done I feel MUCH better. A hot shower or a cup of tea also works wonders, as well as watching Youtube parodies or a comedy movie. There really is truth to the saying ‘laughter is the best medicine’!