Nowadays, we seem to be doing so much – all at the same time. Those around us are constantly demanding more of our time, efforts, and even our money. In return, we continue to yield even more. Being the resourceful creatures we are, we find ourselves wearing many hats such as wife/girlfriend, mummy, career/business woman, older/eldest sister, student, friend, counsellor, and much more – all at the same time. We just seem to keep pouring out.
But if you can just pause for a moment, I would like to remind you of the fact that you are human and you deserve some attention, too. Just the same way you nurture, support, develop others, you need the same poured back into you. Let me ask you this, whilst you’re out there saving the world, who meets your needs? How much longer can you keep poring out into others all the while never being refilled or recharging your batteries? Think of a car, if you stop putting fuel in, it will eventually stop. If you also omit to put in all the other ‘essentials’ for running a car such as engine oil, you’ll soon enough have a ‘broke’ down car.
It’s sad to think that we live in a day and age where the mere thought of taking time out sends most of us on a guilt trip. But why? Is it that we do not deserve it? Nah! Most of us deserve it (and more) but don’t quite put the systems in place to make it happen.
So just in case you think you're superwoman and the world cannot do without you, ponder on the answer to these questions:
• How much longer can you keep going without taking time out? What effect would this have on you physically, emotionally, and spiritually?
• Fast forward your life to 5, 10 or even 15 years from now, what shape would you be in (if anything at all)?
• If you were no longer around, do you really think everything would stop?
• Do you often find yourself saying, “If I don’t do it, who will?” If so, ask yourself, “what’s the worst that could happen if I don’t do it?”
• What difference do you think it would make to your effectiveness and productivity if you were to take (more) time out for yourself?
If the answers to these questions made you stop and think, why not take it one step further and do something about it. It does not have to be anything major but its all about carving out some daily, weekly, monthly, yearly ‘me’ time for something as simple as taking a stroll in the park, a bicycle ride, having time to read, having a facial, going on holiday/retreat or even a health spa. Now just before you cry out “I cannot afford it”, if you do enough research, you’ll discover that some of these things don’t cost the earth whilst some are free. There is something out there to suit everyone’s budget. So all you need to do is make the time for it.
Is that too much to ask for yourself? I’m sure you deserve much more. And puhleeze, take the words, “I’m too busy” out of your vocabulary. The world will not collapse if you decide to take a moment or two for yourself. Please change this preconception. It really is not healthy. No matter how busy you are, you owe it to yourself to take time out to recharge your batteries! Have you considered what would happen when you are no longer with us on earth? The world continues, luv!
On a more serious note, I want you to be around long enough to enjoy the fruits of your labours. What’s the point of working yourself to an early grave? So please pace yourself. I know we live in a driven society but let wisdom prevail. Make your own rules as to how you want to live your life and start living it. As for me, I have kissed goodbye the “I’m so busy saving the world, I have not got time for me” kind of life and I am loving it. I only do what I need to do and leave the rest. Why not try it yourself?
I leave you in peace
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