I’m the type of person who takes care of myself last—I know it’s wrong and counterproductive. My therapist and I are working on it but, even now, after a year of therapy and working to better myself, I still find myself closer to the bottom of my list. Intellectually, I get it. I should be number one on my list. I can’t give from an empty tank, but I still find myself trying to start the engine, even on days where that fuel light is on. (I don’t know how cars work.)
Enter my favorite discovery of late: the Finch app. This, which popped up as an ad on my Instagram feed one day, is a little bird that you take care of by doing self-care activities. You pick your little finch’s name and pronouns, and then you start taking care of it.
My finch,Pepper, is all pink and uses they/them pronouns. They’re a girlboss, just like their mom. Currently, they’re wearing a little pink tuxedo jacket and a top hat and carrying a teddy bear. I would die for Pepper.
Every day, I check the app and do a few activities to start my day. I deep breathe, I list my goals, I reflect on my sleep. When I hit a certain amount of energy from these activities, Pepper goes to explore a forest for a few hours. When they come back, I get to interact with them and answer a question about the world. Sometimes, it’s about a classic children’s book. Sometimes, they find a new drink and give it a taste. A few nights ago, they told me that they were scared about looking up into the dark at night, and I encouraged them to open their eyes and look at the stars. All of these answers help develop Pepper’s personality.
I always pick the lovey, cute option. As a result Pepper is so, so compassionate, but also has no logic in that sweet little brain of theirs. Oh, to be Pepper.
If you’re looking for a quick, encouraging little app, I cannot recommend Finch enough. I deep breathe every day, multiple times a day now. I use the goal feature daily. I love just checking on my friend and reminding myself to take time everyday for me.
Okay, so technically, I guess Pepper is number one on my list now, but I don’t see any reason to change that.