You are worth it!
It’s that time of year when I begin thinking about making this year the year that I finally dedicate taking care of myself. It is the year I devote more time to my faith? Or is it the year for focusing on my mental health? Or will it be my year of eating better and exercising more? We shouldn’t have to wait for a new year to dedicate time to taking care of ourselves.
NEWS FLASH!
We ARE worth it! We do not need to wait for the start of a new year to dedicate time to ourselves. Instead, choose yourself; choose today to get started. But how does one change their thinking to allow some time for themselves? THAT seems to be the ultimate question, doesn’t it? Here is what I have learned over the years as I teeter back and forth on my journey.
Be Your Cheerleader
As your cheer yourself on, know what you are working towards. What are your goals? You need to know what you are working towards. Using a vision board may a helpful visualization for you. Check out my blog post about creating goals and using a vision board for ideas.
- Know what your goals are.
Before you can start working towards something, know what you want that something to be. By identifying that I want to lose 20 pounds, I knew that I couldn’t just sit on my butt all the time. I had to put in the effort. Knowing what you want to achieve will help motivate you to take the steps to make it happen.
- Make the time.
Schedule whatever you want to do like it’s an appointment. Want to read more? Block off the time in your schedule to dedicate to your reading. I went to the gym when I knew my trainer was expecting me. When I didn’t have it scheduled, I definitely did not go because no one was expecting me. In addition to making the time for yourself, add an accountability partner. Who else is counting on you? Will a spouse, friend, family member, or a complete stranger help motivate you?
- Know the benefits.
What will you gain from taking the time for yourself? Will it improve your mental health? Will you improve your health and have better blood test results at your next appointment? Will you grow personally by dedicating time to reading? These benefits will also help motivate you to keep going on those hard days so really time the time to determine what they are. When I can beat my unhealthy eating habits, I know my boys will benefit from me being more active and involved in their lives.
- Reflect on your goals.
Take the time to reflect on your goals. Do they align with what you want out of life? What barriers are in your way currently? What will you do when something comes up? Life happens and you will get derailed. What is your plan to keep going? This ties in with understanding the benefits and knowing what your goals are. We are constantly tested so have a Plan B. A lovely friend of mine plans up to Plan Apocalypse. You may not need to plan that far out, but in my experience, you need to be flexible and ready to adjust your original plan(s).
- It’s your turn.
As moms, as women, we naturally spend so much time dedicated to everyone else. Our energy is poured into our relationships and those that we care for. At the end of the day, our tank is on empty. To recharge yourself, take the time during the day that you need. Does anyone else take an extra minute or two in the bathroom to just cry or have a minute to themselves? It can’t be just me! Whatever your goals are in life, take teh time to meet them. Want to exercise but “don’t have the time”? Engage the kids and make them part of it! Want to learn a new language? Teach your spouse the new language too! You don’t have to include your family but it may be easier for you to start with them being on board.
Recharge
Like everyone else, we deserve to spend time on ourselves. Self-care recharges us, whether it is done through a bath, enjoying a glass of wine, taking a kick-boxing class or getting out in nature. Find what you love and DO IT! You are worth it! You don’t need to start for a new year to give yourself permission to get started. It won’t be easy and it will take time to adjust to this mentality. Shoot, after trying this for several years, I still find myself circling out and reminding myself that it’s okay. My family is okay if I do this. We can do this!
Give yourself permission today. Choose yourself, choose today.
Remember, you are worth it.
