by Gail Lynne Goodwin, founder InspireMeToday.com
As women, we take care of our husbands, our sons and daughters, our parents. We care for extended family and friends, and donate time to care for strangers through non-profits causes we hold dear. Many depend on us. We are caregivers for the world.
But think about it - when is the last time you did something just for you? How do you take the time for YOU so that you’re able to be there for others?
Most of us wake up, open our eyes, get out of bed and immediately jump into the
problem-solving of the day. When it comes to taking care of or doing something for ourselves, in all of our busy-ness, too often we say, “I don’t have time to do that!” If you’re like me, you too have set goals to exercise, eat right, do something you love to do, or to meditate or pray. But many times we fall short because we’re too busy taking care of someone or something else.
Often we believe that doing something for ourselves is selfish. But I believe it’s selfish to NOT take time for me! Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul, two very busy people who accomplished great things, took 3-4 hours each morning just for themselves. They both knew that when you take time for yourself, things line up for you in life and doors open that otherwise wouldn’t open. When you’re inspired and connected to something greater than you, the quality of your health improves and you open up your world to unlimited possibility.
By not taking time for yourself, you are denying your own importance and teaching your children a lack of self-worth. If you want to raise empowered children, show them through the example of caring for yourself first. If we are empty, we have less to give others. In order to fill the cup of another, we must first fill our own.
I’ve found that when we take care of just three things each day - our mind, our body and our spirit - the rest of life lines up perfectly.
When we wake, our minds are a blank slate. We have the opportunity to choose which thoughts we want to put in them each and every day. Think about that. Rather than hectic or frantic thoughts of our “to do” list, fill your mind with inspiration. It’s so easy to allow life and other things to become more important than what really matters. By consciously choosing to focus on things that inspire us, we are choosing a richer life.
Each morning, our bodies, like our minds, need fuel. On days that I take the time for me, nourish myself with healthy foods, drink plenty of water and get moving, my whole day rocks. When I don’t think I have time to go to the gym, I find that by making time, I then have more time and energy throughout the day.
Lastly, I take time each morning to connect to the Divine, God, The Universe or whatever name you choose. It’s like tapping into some amazing energy force that helps me to remember who I really am.
Taking time for you isn’t selfish, it’s a requirement for a healthy, balanced, happy life.