One of my favorite aspects of this job is also my least favorite thing about this job; the schedule. Or, should I say, lack thereof.
Since I’m not working 9-5’s I’m never looking at the clock mentally willing the hands to move faster. There is no ‘clock out’ time. This can work to my advantage because basically, I work when the funeral home in busy and when it’s not, I don’t. Because of this, I’m never bored. That’s a huge plus.
But you see, having no schedule can really be difficult sometimes. I just had a friend ask me when my next day off is so we can get together. I couldn’t answer her because I don’t have days off. I mean, I do have ‘days off’ but I never realize it until the day is over. I live by my phone. I can be out to eat with family and if the phone rings, I work. That’s a huge negative.
I try really hard to make time for me; I have to. If I don’t do things for myself and make it a priority, I begin to burn out very quickly. So below, I thought of five things that I do for me. These are not activities that I do with my husband, or girlfriends, although at times they may join me. These are things that I do because they are healthy and good for me. These are things that I enjoy doing. Things that help clear my mind and breathe.
None of these activities have anything to do with the funeral profession, but I think that’s the point. Sometimes, you need hobbies and activities to get your mind out of the death-filled life that you find yourself in. These activities remind me that I’m so much more than a funeral director, but they also refresh me so that I can be a better funeral director. Hope you enjoy!
5.) Go to the dog park.
I love taking my dog Lindy Ruff to the dog park. A lot of times, my brother will join me, but I go by myself a lot, too. Not only is it healthy for my pup, but it gets me out in fresh air. There is an awesome park, Knox Farms, that I go to all the time. There is a huge fenced in area where I can sit for hours…and I mean hours, and watch my dog play with others. I have no idea why but I find it so relaxing! There is also a pond and trails so I can walk Lindy, too. And one of my favorite things about this park is that there is a little library hidden among the trees on one of the trails! If I’m having a bad day or just need some nature this is a go to for me.
4.) Get my nails done.
I have a horrible habit of biting my nails. I’ve done this since I was little. So, I will mentally tell myself that if I stop I can get rewarded by getting a manicure and let me tell you, that does the trick! There is also something about having fresh nails that makes you feel like you can take on the world! I get pampered a little and feel great about myself in the process. It’s a win/win!
3.) Sewing/Cosplay.
My husband has pop culture media website, The Geekiverse. I always described myself as a geek by association, because if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have gotten into most of this stuff. But the thing is, the more I learned about it the more into this stuff I became. Enter cosplaying. I was introduced to cosplaying through Nickel City Con and immediately became obsessed. My sister-in-law does help me with this activity, because I cannot sew nearly as well as she can, but it’s still something that I do because I enjoy it. It’s extremely relaxing actually making these outfits and it’s a blast to be able to wear them to events! It’s something that is so completely opposite the funeral profession and it’s a nice little break for me.
2.) Get a massage.
This is something new that my husband and I have gotten into. About four months ago, we both had gift cards for a massage, so we booked our appointments back to back. I’m very particular when it comes to massage because I’ve had a couple that weren’t that great. But I have recently found my massage therapist and I am hanging onto her tight! Not only does it relax me, but it is healthy for me. About once a month, I turn off my phone, close my eyes and just enjoy being in the moment and having my stress melt away.
1.) Ballet.
You guys saw this coming, right? I mean after my last post in the tutu outfit you had to see this coming!? Ballet is something that I’ve recently found. About a year ago, I had a girlfriend of mine introduce me to Classical Ballet of WNY, a legit studio that produces actual ballerinas. Lucky for us, they have an adult ballet program for those who came to the art late. I currently take class two times a week and not only is it exercise, it is simply something that I look forward to. I know that I’m not that great, but it’s discipline and something that I can actually track my progress of. I love it and I can’t imagine a time when I would not want to do it!
little miss funeral