It's Saturday! It's my favorite day of the week, and not just because it's part of the weekend, but it just feels right to me out of all the days. If I sat and thought about it, I'm sure I could produce reasons to explain, but that's not the point of my post so, if you really want to know - you should let me know and I'll work on posting it :)
But that said, how are YOU feeling today?
After my last post about not waiting for vacations or extended weekends to come up in order to truly feel relaxed or reset, I wanted to hone in more on a point that continues to bring me clarity as my life goes on: We must take care of ourselves first, in order to take care of everything and everyone else to the best of our means, but also, to the grade that they deserve.
Really ponder this thought: When a person multi-tasks, it's obvious that your attention is fractured between the number of tasks at hand. It's been proven; however, that an individual can only focus on about three (3) main goals or tasks at most, at any given time before they start to lose their "juggle." So, if we are always cramming our daily lives with endless tasks, activities/events, and work that leaves us stressed and exhausted, how do we expect that we are giving our true best in anything or to anyone else?
Trust me, I completely understand living a "high frequency" life, but that is no excuse not to take care of yourself or to put yourself last - only when you realize you have 10 minutes some Sunday night. As I mentioned while refilling the "energy cup," we must ensure that we are putting ourselves first in a way that is not egotistical or selfish rather, it is to ensure that we are caring for ourselves at the quality of life that we deserve.
If you are still wanting to say, "Erin, you don't get my life. You can't tell me I'm not doing my best. You only know what your best is," that is absolutely correct, I can't. However, everyone has the same amount of time in life, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. We all make our choices each day about what we decide to do with those seconds, minutes, and hours, but where are you deciding you fit in? If you continue to hit snooze instead of getting up just a little earlier to stretch, have a cup of coffee (and enjoy it), make a nice breakfast (and enjoy it), workout, whatever things you do that make you feel better about yourself and will contribute to "self-care," ask yourself why. Why don't you want to feel better about yourself? Why do you only want to take care of things because you HAVE to, not because you want to, and you can while saving your peace and happiness? Yes, you can help a "drowning" friend while smiling because you will have the energy to, not thinned out patience, struggling to do the bare minimum and say "Well, I did my best." But did you? How do you view the people in your life? Would you not say they deserve the best? If so, then why aren't you giving them your best...
Stop suffering at the expense of yourself.
And no, you don't have to choose, but you must plan accordingly. If you're someone who flies by the seat of their pants like I used to do, then start making a list of the things that you are willing to be available for things that bring you true joy and recenter you, and then figure out a way to start planning out your days. It's a level of mental health that not enough people give any consideration to. And as far as Christians, we are taught to be selfless, humble, and always ready to help our family, friends, and neighbors in need. However, Christ did teach his disciples self-care, but some of those times they choose to first take care of others out of their love for them. But then again, Christ knew it took discipline and effort on his part to never skip the opportunity to pray to God, which meant getting up incredibly early before anyone else, so he was undisturbed. Perhaps that is what it takes for us, but if that results in us having greater peace of mind, patience, sense of accomplishment and love, what is our excuse other than getting in our own way? Again, we have control over where we put ourselves and why. Are we making ourselves suffer to become a victim of circumstances?
I hate being miserable. Even if I'm just downright exhausted in life, I will fight being miserable and I can feel every second of internal struggle, but I won't stop fighting. For this reason, I have determined to have what I call "pillars." They are three (3) things that contribute to my self-care even when I don't want to do anything else or feel that I simply can't, and they are:
Spiritual things - bible reading, studying, meditating
Walking outside in nature / working out
Focusing on self-development
Friends, don't let your current circumstances dictate the standard you give to other areas of your life or in putting yourself last. Rather, put yourself first by taking care of yourself, refilling all your "cups," and finding true joy within. When you do this, it's not selfish, but you create an overall quality standard for yourself and your life. Plus, this quality will flow into the other things and people that you will take care of. And I'm sure you can agree they deserve it too.
Strive for quality of self, not simply good enough.
It may always be a work in progress as life rolls on but always keep trying. I'm right there with you💛
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
How is your own self-care or putting you first? I would love to hear your thoughts or expressions on this topic below!
コメント