By Susan G. Haws
Do something just for yourself today. Something that will make you feel rejuvenated. This may sound like heresy but look for a guilty pleasure and give in to temptation. Most of the people I know have a lot of demands on their time and their spirit: responsibilities with work, church, or community and nurturing roles with children, grandchildren, aging parents, or siblings; all needing help. After a while our reserves are scraping bottom and the need appears bottomless; like holding an empty water pitcher at a Fourth of July party. If you don’t refill you have nothing to give.
The airlines have it right. In their preflight safety spiel they always say that in case of an emergency put the oxygen mask on yourself first and then on those needing assistance. If you don’t take care of yourself you can’t serve your loved ones. So, even though the schedule is tight take at least five minutes or an hour to refresh. Go for a walk, meditate, read, write, eat an ice cream, listen to music, browse the internet… the list is endless. Most women are selfless and need to be reminded to take time to take care of themselves. Get going, and don’t come back till you are full of good things to share.
Ice cream sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteAs long as there is AC wherever I go - I'm in! Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteYeah - so true.
ReplyDeleteI earned a dark chocolate peanut better cup today...I felt much better after savoring it...alone! But then later I shared some. That felt the best. hugs`
ReplyDeleteYou can't know how much I needed to hear that...and it won't be this weekend, but I'm looking forward to a blissful next week and I'm going to treat myself.
ReplyDeleteAnne Morrow Lindbergh wrote a wonderful essay on this topic in her collection of essays "Gift From the Sea." A woman is required to give so much of herself to other people in so many situations with husband and children, but what happens when she's given so much she's empty? Occasionally she needs to stop and do something for herself that will replenish the supply, and it isn't selfish to do that. I think the scriptures would concur. For one thing, we're cautioned not to run faster than we have strength. And that's what the Sabbath is all about - regaining strength. Great ideas.
ReplyDeleteChocolate is the ticket, but by the look of me right now, I have been treating myself a bit too often!
ReplyDeleteI am all about the Chocolate and ice cream; I don't live without A/C. Terri, you don't how nice it is for me to think I said something that was helpful. Pam, thank you for the quote. That says it all and so much better.
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