Earlier this year I had an epiphany one day that I wasn't taking good care of myself. It's not that I don't know how. We all know the basics don't we? That we need to eat right, exercise and get enough sleep. Have hobbies, manage our stress, and so on. But knowing what we should do and doing it are totally different things. We get busy and distracted. Temptations are alluring. So many things side track us, and sometimes we even feel guilty taking time out for ourselves. This is really rather odd if you think about it, but it's a common problem particularly for women. We are conditioned to think that we should spend our time nurturing and taking care of people, which is a good and noble thing. The trouble comes though when we don't add ourselves to the list of people that deserve to be looked after. What if a friend, my mother or my child came to me and said they were having health issues related to exhaustion and stress? That they had gained weight and felt bad about themselves. That they were fighting depression or any other ailment related to lack of self care. What would I say to them? I would tell them that they had to make themselves a priority too. That they were important and mattered too. That if they wore themselves out they'd actually have less to give to others instead of more. I would know all the right things to say to someone that I loved. That day as I looked in the mirror and wasn't happy with what I saw, I realized I needed to love myself enough to say those things to ME! At different points in my life I had done better at this, but in recent years I had let a lot of self care slide, and I was feeling the pains that come from that neglect.
So I made some changes. I started using Isogenix products for weight loss and health. I began exercising 4 to 5 days a week. I dusted off the blog and am writing again. I started on a Rodan and Fields skin care regimen, and put my phone on silent after 9:30 pm. I started cooking more often for my family. Reading inspirational materials in the morning and studying meditation. Having more lunch and coffee dates with friends. I bought a few new clothes. I made a list of the things that would ease stress and make life richer, and I have been trying to slowly but surely incorporate those things. It's not perfect. I doubt it ever will be, and that's totally fine. Perfect is overrated. Progress is beautiful. Tonight is pizza night for instance which is not on my diet plan, but the day got busy. That's ok too.
However, I am seeing results from the changes I've been making... mostly consistently, with occasional deviations that must be allowed for as we live normal lives. Chaos happens. We just need to keep plugging along. As of this morning I am down 22 pounds and 5 1/2 inches off of my waist. I am almost ready to run a 5K next month. I've had many people comment that my skin is glowing. (This stuff works miracles for real) My blood pressure is down. I'm feeling more connected to God and family/friends. There is much more I want to accomplish and achieve. Success is very motivational though. I'm better today than I was last month or last year. I'm proud of myself.
Why should we take care of ourselves? Plain and simple, because it feels GREAT! We look better, feel stronger and healthier, love more deeply, give more fully. We are happier, more contented peaceful people when we are our own biggest fans, and love ourselves enough to nurture our bodies, minds and spirits. If you too have some changes to make in this area I encourage you to commit to your own self care beginning right now this moment. You are worth it, and it feels fabulous as the results start coming in.
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