It’s almost fall, the kids are back to school and most summer vacations have come to an end. There may be a few of you still getting a few weeks away in before October arrives, but these too shall end. It’s the time of year when we get back to creating more structure in our lives. It’s the time of year we plan for the colder darker days to come. How do you plan for yourself?
Do you take care of everyone else before you make time for you, often finding there is no time left for you? How do you justify not taking care of yourself? Perhaps you like to know the family and home have everything they need. In this case your need may be to feel you are appreciated in the role of service. This may be emotional, mental or spiritual needs, but it is not the full scope of your needs. When you place everyone else’s needs ahead of your own, you’re not respecting your own needs. This does not mean you stop doing anything and just sit on the couch eating chocolates either. It requires finding balance in life. Your needs are specific to you and when you identify your needs then you can take action towards feeling fulfilled.
Taking Action
Too often we think we’ll get to something later, only to discover a week, month, year has gone by. When we finally carve that space and time in for ourselves we discover it’s a bigger job than expected. Not taking care of your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs in a timely manner is the same as not cleaning your house or washroom regularly. Can you imagine what your washroom would look like if you didn’t clean it for a year? I’m certain the word disgusting comes to mind.
We’ve been taught that caring for others first and putting ourselves last is the altruistic thing to do. We think there will be time at the end of the day or week for us. But it doesn’t happen! And that’s because you have it backwards. Like the oxygen mask that is used for self in an emergency, such is the oxygen mask of life – give to yourself first so you can be of service to others. Otherwise you will become depleted sooner than later.
Self care has many forms. Finding your own balance is the trick. Start to carve in time for you – Just YOU! Start to notice when you feel resentful, disappointed, frustrated, exhausted or selfish when you do something for yourself. Use this information for the meaningful purpose is has in the moment you feel it. You soul is drawing attention to you and that you have the power within yourself to change and have a balanced life.
This fall make a commitment to follow through on self care. Whether it’s a daily walk, meditating, yoga, or reading something new. You’re never to old to start. The changes you make today will affect who you are tomorrow, next month and a year from now. Don’t wait – be the change today.
Article by Regina Kaiser
