Ive been digging into the novel Orange is the New Black, after watching a couple seasons of the show. I really had no expectations as reviews stated that the author seemed to write a novel about how she was 'better' than the other prisoners.

I personally am really enjoying the book. Like Piper, Ive been adjusting to life without a man around, and learning to follow a rather monotonous healthy routine. One of the main take home lessons, is that through yoga, heavy lifting, daily running (to the point of running half marathon distances),  and reading, Piper is looking years younger and feeling stress melt away. She has taken the worst situation and used the minimal tools around her to make herself a stronger human being.

She is one of the few in prison using her world and regimented routine to her advantage. She throws herself into work to distract herself and manages to keep a level head. When her yoga instructor friend leaves prison, she is very distraight yet continues on the practice without her and makes it through prison in tact.

Mind you a 1 year sentence is not a long time, so keeping it together when there is a light at the end of the tunnel is easier than someone with nothing on the outside and a long prison sentence.

How many of us can truly say that when things get tough in life, that we take care of ourselves to the best of our ability? In a previous life Piper was a self destructive and self involved human. I know how much self care and routine is important to feeling good about oneself, and it gives us the tools to tackle the tough stuff in life.

So while things may tough and you may feel like youve been handed a prison sentance, taking care of oneself should always be a priority, no matter how defeated or overwhelmed you are feeling. There will always be 'the feds' out to get you...whether it be coworkers, family, health problems it is imperative that one takes care of themselves despite all of the chaos in the world. At the end of the day you can only depend on yourself, and our routines and habits can keep us stable in a chaotic world.

Kisses and self care my friends.