Progress Report: Time for yourself. How’s it going?
Posted by David Ellzey on December 23rd, 2008
As promised, here’s my update on how I’m doing with taking time for myself during the holidays with my family in Chicago. And you?
Let me know below, where it says "no comments", if you have taken a moment for yourself this season and how it went. (The pictures included are examples of colorful decorations in the Chicago area … in our 3 degree weather)
The Report: Okay, my eyelids were drooping mid afternoon from lots of great food and late night conversations. It felt a little awkward to leave the group, but I said to my mom and sister, "Excuse me, but I need to rest my eyes for a bit," and set off to lay down for 30 minutes. I awoke able to take better part in the conversations. If you have family, kids, or other responsibilities, you still get to say, "I need to take a brief break …". Then take it.
The reason for this conversation about taking time for ourselves is not a superficial one. Many of us are good at caring for others, or focusing on everyone else but ourselves. This can be for numerous reasons, but the net result is a type of lie. We serve others as if being cared for is important, yet we don’t live that truth for ourselves. When you care for yourself, or love yourself enough to take a break, a walk, go to the gym, take a nap, a hot bath, or any other form of self care, you are saying you are worthy of love too. From this place you can actually care more full-heartedly for others.
Sometimes this requires that you let go of an old work ethic like, "life must be hard", and "others come before myself", etc. So I offer a suggestion; In the next day or couple of weeks, you promise yourself before you click off this page, that you will do something that would feel self-loving. Decide what it is and do it. Maybe more than once! (Be radical!)
If you can do this, I bet that your quality of life will rise a notch and your January will be a lot easier because you did some self care during the previous weeks of this season. But dont let me put words in your mouth. Give me a report in the comments below. (Where it says "no comment". Your comments are only seen by me, even though it looks like they are public)
Enjoy your time off, regardless of the length!
Here’s to your well being and happy holidays,
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