When is the last time you spent an extended period of time focusing on you and what you want or need? How often do you put the needs of others before yourself?
This was me. The last time I spend any time with my main intention on me, was about 9 years ago. For the last 2 years I was focused on my business, before that it was on growing my family and having children, before that my focus was on my job that I had and how I could help others reach their dreams, and before that it was on me and my happiness.
Specifically the past couple years, I have been working on building things for me and my family. I knew what I wanted. I knew that I would have a journey ahead of me that would be rough at times. But I neglected my own self care. You know that old saying, "You can't fill a cup from an empty pitcher"?
Well that was me. Last November, after working tirelessly on a big event, I got 'sick'. The day of our open house, I was so exhausted, that driving was not an activity I should be doing. I called the others at the office and I told them that I couldn't make it in. I told my family I was going to take a nap and I slept, and slept hard. My body needed to recharge. I took about 3 days off, and did nothing but get up and put my kid on the bus, I didn't get out of my pajamas and I just took a couple days for me.
But, what did that do for me? Letting my 'battery' run so low that I can't function was more detrimental than if I would have taken better care of myself. It's like your car. You take that in for maintenance every 3000-5000 miles right? Why would you not do the same thing for your body and mind?
So this year, 2019, I said enough! I need to teach my kids that taking care of themselves is just as important as taking care of others. So this year is about me. This year is about me taking better care of myself, so I can do more for and with them.
This year, I have committed myself to one date a week with myself. This could be that I do grocery shopping by myself, or get a babysitter and go to the movies alone or with friends. I am getting my monthly massage and pedicure. I may take the long way home and listen to a book. I am going to the gym 2-3 days each week. I am taking my children on mommy-daughter dates each month and spending more quality time with them. I am showing my girls that it is ok to be selfish when it comes to your time and how you spend it.
My challenge to everyone is to:
* Do something every day that makes you smile.
* Do something for YOU every week that gets you out of your head and into a better, more calm frame of mind.
* Do something at least once per month that gets you into the relaxed, rest and digest state.