Over the years, I have struggled. I have looked everywhere and to others for this. Then, as I continue to peel the onion of me, my journey, my life, I finally learned a lesson that had been presenting itself to me for years.
When was the last time that you took out time for you? I call it QT4U (Quality Time For You). I know, you are there for so many people in your life, but have you been there for yourself, lately? How can you continue to give from an empty cup? Well, you can’t. Giving from an empty cup is a recipe for disaster!
Some examples of taking out time for you could be reading a good book, going to a yoga or workout class, or going for a walk in the park enjoying simple pleasures. Most recently, I spoke about this at a Women, Wine and Wellness event. My talk – entitled: Level Up! How to be your Absolute Best! . . . to YOU. Ultimately, my question was: What have you done for YOU lately?
When having this honest talk with the ladies there that night, we all admitted to the fact that we embrace who we were created to be. Who runs the world? Girls! We give birth. We are the nurturer, the encourager, the multi-tasker . . .actually the everything in many families! Biology speaking – our brains are gray and white, while our counterparts are gray only. The gray and white matter helps us do several things at one time, or manage several things at one time. That’s why to our family members – we really are Wonder Woman!
It’s so wonderful receiving love and accolades from our friends and families. But have you ever looked into your own eyes and said to yourself -“I love you (your name)”? One day I did and cried uncontrollably. My thoughts were that I had never told myself that. If I am perfectly honest, I also admitted that I looked for others to solely be the ones to give me that embrace. So it is okay for me to tell my family and loved ones how much I love them, but not myself? What’s wrong with that picture? How can others truly love you, if you truly don’t love yourself?
I challenge you today and for the rest of your life to nurture you, to love you, to encourage you. Become the best friend to you that you are to so many. Do a better job of taking care of yourself. Your body is your earth suit. Take better care of it. You can’t trade it in at Checker Auto Parts. If you take better care of your home and your cars (the things that sparkle and you have acquired), then your priority is off. Besides, don’t you want to be here to enjoy your family and friends in good health as long as you are able? Take on the mirror challenge, today. I’d love to hear your comments after having done so. Learning to love yourself is in deed – literally the greatest love of all!
