Guest Post by Dr. Chisato Hotta, DSW, LMFT, LPCC | Therapist Mama Bear and 2 Ausome Cubs | @Therapistmamabear
Let’s talk about self care…
Self care is treating yourself like a friend.
As a mama to twin boys on the autism spectrum, I know sometimes I forget to do this myself. I also work full time, several part time jobs and volunteer. I also spend time with my family consistently. So life can get busy! So… I remind myself- how can I be a friend to Me?
I have a best friend of over 30 years and I can say with certainty that through our ups and downs, we have been great friends to each other. I am often told that I am a great friend. Multiple people call me their best friend. I am always grateful to have the connections that I have.
When I think of that, I know it is because I try to treat others with kindness. But… I also know that I struggle when it comes to being kind to myself. If you are anything like me and are a bit tougher on yourself than others, I want you to ask yourself! “How can I be my friend?”
This month, I encourage you to look in the mirror and ask yourself, “what is something that I can do for myself today?”
What do you do for others?
Just like we may take others a coffee when we know they had a rough night, let’s get ourselves some coffee and just allow ourselves to enjoy it!
Just as we say to others, “I like your shirt!” Let’s try saying that to yourself!
If you tell others, “hey, take a relaxing day for yourself!” Try doing that for you!
I know it can be hard- especially when we are balancing so much! And… I want to remind you- you are important. Just like your family and friends are important to you, you are important to your family and friends.
So, it can be small things- be your own friend! How can you do that this month?
Dr. Chisato Hotta, DSW, LPCC, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional clinical counselor and a doctor in social work. She is currently a senior program supervisor at a mental health non-profit where she works with a small but mighty team to provide trainings, implementing changes as needed and providing support to the agency. Dr. Chisato also works part time as an adjunct professor, and a therapist, and gives training on mental health, autism, commercial sexual exploitation of children and more. Her husband, Yuki, has a master’s degree in statistics and is an associate risk and data analyst.
Dr. Chisato is a mom to twin boys, Yuri and Akira, who are both on the autism spectrum and are her world and light. She tries to blend being a mental health provider and being a mama in her Instagram and Facebook. Dr. Chisato has a blog where she talks about mental health, autism and balancing roles and gives weekly tips. She is also a self-published writer of a children’s book on coping skills.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram: @therapistmamabear
Website: http://therapistmamabear.my.
Another book and journal coming up soon!
Leave a Reply