[Emerald U.]

General Discussion Thread 07.25.2025​

Hello there, GrayViners!

Image source: KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA/pexels

With the week winding down, I hope you’ve had a chance to catch your breath and do something kind for yourself. Yesterday was International Self-Care Day, and it’s a good reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it's a necessity. If you’re looking for fresh ideas, we’ve gathered simple ways to nurture your mind, body, or spirit.

As for me, my self-care might sound a bit routine—but it’s what works. Every couple of weeks, I like to start the day with some yoga and meditation, followed by a light breakfast. Then I tidy up my room, and by the afternoon, I have a clear workspace that helps me feel ready to paint or journal. As the sun sets, I’ll watch a cozy movie, enjoy a good dinner, and end the day by lighting a candle while I wind down for the night. Pretty simple, right?

How about you? What do you usually do for self-care? Share your routine with the GrayVine community!

 

[NIBOR0]

I craft. Currently I'm working on Diamond Painting. I want to learn how to knit or crochet. Every evening after dinner, I turn the TV off and go to my room where I have my card table set up. I craft for an hour then come back to the living room to surf the web and read interesting articles. I read my book at 8 and at 9 o'clock it's time for bed. I have no trouble falling asleep for the most part and then sleep until 10 a.m in the morning. I know that may sound like a lot of sleep, but it seems to be what my body requires each night.

 

[lindadominguez]

Each day I meditate - once in the morning and once in the evening - to keep me grounded and mindful.
And each day I walk, with my sweet girl Stella, between 4,000 and 5,000 steps.
I’m 75, living with Parkinson’s Disease, and use a walker - and it doesn’t slow me down.

 

[Larry B]

Walking. I love to just get out and walk. I try to do a minimum of 3 miles per session. So Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I pick a local park or trail and I walk. It usually takes me about an hour to walk 3 miles.

I always feel refreshed and more clearheaded after that. It's my time to catch up on my favorite podcasts, too.

 

[NIBOR0]

Walking. I love to just get out and walk. I try to do a minimum of 3 miles per session. So Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I pick a local park or trail and I walk. It usually takes me about an hour to walk 3 miles.

I always feel refreshed and more clearheaded after that. It's my time to catch up on my favorite podcasts, too.

I would love to walk if I had a partner to walk with. Unless someone is knocking on my door saying "come on", I won't do it alone.

 

[Emerald U.]

I craft. Currently I'm working on Diamond Painting. I want to learn how to knit or crochet. Every evening after dinner, I turn the TV off and go to my room where I have my card table set up. I craft for an hour then come back to the living room to surf the web and read interesting articles. I read my book at 8 and at 9 o'clock it's time for bed. I have no trouble falling asleep for the most part and then sleep until 10 a.m in the morning. I know that may sound like a lot of sleep, but it seems to be what my body requires each night.

That sounds like a really peaceful evening rhythm, @NIBOR0 . I love how you’ve carved out time just for yourself, and winding down with crafts, books, and a proper night’s sleep sounds like smart self-care. Diamond painting looks so satisfying, too. Let us know how it’s going if you ever want to share a photo!

 

[Emerald U.]

Each day I meditate - once in the morning and once in the evening - to keep me grounded and mindful.
And each day I walk, with my sweet girl Stella, between 4,000 and 5,000 steps.
I’m 75, living with Parkinson’s Disease, and use a walker - and it doesn’t slow me down.

That’s a beautifully grounded routine, @lindadominguez. Walking with a walker and still getting in thousands of steps a day? That says a lot about your mindset. I admire how strong you are! It’s also inspiring how you stay consistent with meditation.

 

[Emerald U.]

Walking. I love to just get out and walk. I try to do a minimum of 3 miles per session. So Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I pick a local park or trail and I walk. It usually takes me about an hour to walk 3 miles.

I always feel refreshed and more clearheaded after that. It's my time to catch up on my favorite podcasts, too.

I love walking, too! And I like that you’ve made it a real part of your week—it sounds both refreshing and intentional. Thanks for the inspiration, @Larry B! Curious: do you have a favorite go-to podcast right now?

 

[NIBOR0]

Here is a picture of my favorite Diamond Painting

 

[Emerald U.]

Here is a picture ofView attachment 65522 my favorite Diamond Painting

Wow! That's so pretty, @NIBOR0! How long did it take you to complete this masterpiece? Also, would you mind if we featured this in the newsletter?

 

[NIBOR0]

Wow! That's so pretty, @NIBOR0! How long did it take you to complete this masterpiece? Also, would you mind if we featured this in the newsletter?

It probably took me 3-4 days to complete and yes, you can use it as you will.

 

[Emerald U.]

It probably took me 3-4 days to complete and yes, you can use it as you will.

Just 3-4 days? That's a load of dedication! And thank you, @NIBOR0! We'll feature it soon, and feel free to send more of your completed works.