Pop Quiz!
Sum up your day in one word. I’m willing to bet that you came up with something along the lines of “hectic”, “stressful”, or “tiring”. Now, write down what you do in a typical day: wake the kids; prepare breakfast & lunches; dress the kids for school; drop the kids off at school; work; pick up the kids… STOP! Look at your list. Question: How much of what you’ve done has been for someone else? How much of it has been for you – JUST you? Answer: Probably not enough! You might be asking yourself: “Hold on, Michaela – are you actually telling me to be more SELFISH?” Well…yes AND no.
Self Care… Or Selfish?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “selfish” as being “concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself; seeking or concentrating on one’s own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others”.
Be sure to make note of the phrases, “excessively or exclusively with oneself” and “without regard for others”. Key: Doing things for others and doing things for yourself aren’t mutually exclusive! Caring for yourself isn’t being “selfish”. It isn’t caring any less about your family or your other responsibilities. It IS, however. about allowing yourself to do the things that bring YOU happiness/joy and about taking a few small steps to improve YOUR well-being. Just remember: Looking after your own well-being will actually make you better able to care for others! If you can fill up your self love cup first, you will be able to give from overflow instead of an empty cup.
Pop Quiz…Part 2!
Remember that first list, the one that made you tired just thinking about the things that make you tired? I want you to crumple that piece of paper up and throw it away! I’ll bet that felt really good, didn’t it?
Now, start a new list: A list of things you enjoy – the simple “me time” things that make YOU feel good, and feel good about YOURSELF. It doesn’t have to take up a lot of time or money. Maybe you like a good run, or maybe you’d prefer to sit under a tree and read a chapter or two of a good book. Whatever you choose, make it a part of your daily routine (for me, it was Miracle Mornings). Once you have your list, make sure to schedule it in. Grab your phone or paper agenda (Yes, I still have one of those!) and book it in, a meeting, appointment or date with yourself! Otherwise, the “me time” you’re longing for might never come.
Share in the comments below what you will do today for your ‘Me Time’!