The Unglamorousness of Self Care

Self care is
Willing yourself to brush your teeth for the first time in two weeks
After growing accustomed to the fuzz growing on your canines
From late night snacks and longtime neglect
Self care is
Taking a shower for the first time in four days
Even if you can’t muster the energy to stand
So you sit in the faux bath
And watch your fingers prune and hot water exhaust
Self care is
Washing the three-week old laundry and
Folding it immediately
Putting it in its correct spot and
Smiling at such an accomplishment
Self care is
Going to bed at 11 instead of 1
Not dozing off at 3pm in the midst of school work
Taking the prescribed sleep meds
Self care is
Force feeding yourself vegetables
Even though no amount of fatty dressing will

Improve the taste of green leaves plucked from a garden