SPRING 2021: SELF-CARE EDITION
In your own words, how would you define self-care?
Judy Troilo (she/her/hers)-Executive Director
I always tell our LOFT team, you know better than anyone else when you need to stop and be kind to yourself. Our mission is to help others and sometimes we forget to help ourselves. You can not care for others if you are not caring for yourself! Self Care simply means to make time for yourself. It can mean exercising or eating well but it also means resting and engaging in thoughts and activities that bring you peace and joy.
Scott Havelka (he/him/his)- Deputy Director
Whether it be a moment in your day to just meditate and center your breathing & thoughts or time away to rest and recharge, self-care is a NECESSITY!
Shepard Verbas (they/them/theirs) Director of Programs and Services
I believe that self-care is less of an action and more of a mindset. Any time we are able to listen to our bodies and check in with ourselves about our boundaries, needs, and goals, we are practicing self-care. Self-care can look like taking a long bath or treating yourself to a nice dinner, but it's also present in everyday moments when we laugh, practice gratitude, explore something that makes us think, or speak our truth to others. Self-care isn't always fun and glamorous, it can be the tough things we do to better ourselves or our situation. As long as we are listening to our truth, and taking care of our needs, that is self-care.
Ryan Kirrane (he/him/his) Community Engagement Manager
I would define self-care as engaging in any type of activity whether it is running, meditating, or hanging with friends, for example, with the purpose being for yourself. I view self-care as engaging in any activity or action that brings you happiness.
Mia Edwards (she/her/hers) Case Manager, PROUDWST Me Program
Self-care is any activity that allows for healing and centering oneself
Kira Lingala (she/her/hers) Peer Navigator, PROUDWST Me Program
Unfortunately, Audre Lorde’s original political meaning of self-care has been watered down and neutered for mass consumption. That’s why I like to go back to her description of self-care as not an indulgence, but a commitment to self-preservation and an act of political warfare for queer folx and members of other marginalized groups.
Jeffrey Guard (he/they) Media and Marketing Specialist
It's definitely being self-aware of both your abilities and limits and knowing how to honor both in equal measure.
What is something you do to practice self-care?
Judy Troilo (she/her/hers)-Executive Director
There are many things I do to practice self-care including having dinner with my wife Heidi, painting, reading, meditating, doing the New York Times Crossword Puzzle, and napping! ...But my favorite is spending time with my dog Harper. Whether it is taking a walk, playing with a toy, or just cuddling on the couch.
Scott Havelka (he/him/his)- Deputy Director
Once a month I visit my family on Long Beach Island, NJ, and enjoy Tilly time with our dog on the beach.
Shepard Verbas (they/them/theirs) Director of Programs and Services
I talk to friends, spend time with my dog, go for walks walk, bike, swim, just be outside, watch my favorite musicals, listen to my favorite music, yoga and exercise.
Ryan Kirrane (he/him/his) Community Engagement Manager
I love being outdoors, going on hikes and hanging out with my dog, Layla :)
Mia Edwards (she/her/hers) Case Manager, PROUDWST Me Program
Finding spaces of quiet and solitude as a way to mitigate disruptive inner voices, usually walks along the seaside.
Kira Lingala (she/her/hers) Peer Navigator, PROUDWST Me Program
One thing that always lifts my mood is going on short hikes. Either with friends or on my own, finding a trail and exploring nature is a great way to disconnect from the churn of social media and the anxiety of modern life. There’s always something new to find in the woods and I get great comfort from the feeling of true solitude, even as civilization is just a short walk away.
Jeffrey Guard (he/they) Media and Marketing Specialist
Swimming is a spiritual experience for me--being underwater is healing--so I try to do it at least 5 times a week, and I love photography and videography. Right now, filming and shooting in nature has become a great and soothing pleasure for me!