Have you noticed that, in today's American society, SO many are suffering from health problems at very young ages? We seem to have an epidemic of diagnosed cases of Fibromyalgia in young people of all ages; I know, at least, 15 people, personally, whom have been diagnosed with this newly-found dis-ease! Americans seem to run at a pace that reflects the speed of sound; schedules ALWAYS full. Many of us keep our kids heavily scheduled, too. From dance lessons to music lessons and sports, there's always something that has to be done - always someplace to 'be'.
When's the last time you enjoyed a Sunday lounging around in your pajamas all day? When's the last time you allowed yourself to sleep in, without waking to meet a scheduled-something? What I've found in my coaching is that so few of us value OURSELVES. We put everyone and every THING first. I like to use the analogy that, racing through this life without taking time to just BE is likened to trying to drive your car when the gas tank is empty. The car, however, is 'smart' enough to not RUN anymore when it's out of fuel! Somewhere in this society, someone has embedded within us that taking time for yourself is 'selfish'....the word, itself, has a negative connotation in our society, doesn't it? Caring for yourself is the least selfish thing that you could do. It's about loving yourself. Enough to say no to the boss that asks for help organizing the office over the weekend. Enough to say no to your drama-filled friend who needs to vent (yet, again.) To say no to organizing that fund raiser for another charity. It's OK to say no! Martyrdom went out thousands of years ago; besides, those considered to be martyrs were declared to be after they were dead! Besides, you can never properly care for others if you are tired, weak, cranky, sickly or short on patience because you're not taking care of yourself, now can you?
Self love includes doing something for YOU without thinking of others first. Set time aside to read that book you've been meaning to read - put a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door and instruct your family that this is YOUR time. Take a yoga class. Take a walk. Put on some music and dance. Do SOMETHING that makes YOU happy. So many of us are letting our lives pass us by without slowing down to notice the beauty that lies within each and every moment. We're too busy to stop and listen to what our hearts and minds are saying to us. This isn't a race. It's your life. How much of it are you actually ENJOYING?
So many are in the race to make money; which always seems to be lacking. No matter how much money you make, (or have) there never seems to be 'enough.' Prosperity comes in many, many ways. Are you aware that the happiest people on this planet tend to be the poorest? Yes, it's true. Do the research. Ask Google. Whatever it takes to begin to shift your mind from chasing that all-powerful dollar to chasing joy and happiness with where you are right now, wherever that may be. Recognize that you are invaluable and worth more than any amount of money out there. And just THINK about the lesson that you'd be teaching your children by example! Wow, they'd actually LEARN that caring for themselves comes first! I'm not talking narcissism here, either. I'm talking about taking time for yourself to just re-group, re-charge and re-focus on what's REALLY important in this life....YOU!
Self love is not selfishness, nor is it being 'selfish'....it's a form of self-preservation in a society that no longer support health, love or family. Isn't it time that you start enjoying these precious moments that lie in this very second and those to come? Make the number one thing that you value your own self!
