A wife, mother, full time employee, business owner, friend, the list goes on with the number of hats I wear everyday. Where do I find the time to do everything and still take care of myself? The truth? I do not care for myself as well as I should.
It is incredibly hard to focus on one's self when it is in our nature to tend to others first. Further, we have trouble identifying when it is just too much to handle. It always becomes an internal reasoning that we can handle anything placed on our already full plates. Additionally, we seem to find ways to volunteer ourselves for more tasks without making more time.
Life becomes a perpetual balancing act that always feels lopsided. The constant fear of it all toppling over is more concerning than the overwhelming weight crushing us. How can we tip the scales to become more level and lighter? Honestly, I am still trying to find the secret formula. In the meantime, some of my much desired projects take a back seat while I focus on helping those around me, because that is truly more rewarding.
However, I still need to find a way to care for my well-being. If I am so run down that I get sick or am too tired to even move, then I cannot do anything for anyone else. I need to still ensure I am mentally, emotionally, and most importantly physically healthy, or I will find myself more of a burden than a help. How?
Commitment to myself that I will do what it takes to be healthy. Accountability for my own actions on those days I want to just lay on the couch and sleep the day away. Dedication that I will create a plan and stick with it on the toughest of days. A promise to be better, not only for myself, but for those around me.
Excercise and dietary adjustments cover the physical, and for some mental and emotional. For the rest of us who hate exercise, how do we ensure we are mentally and emotionally healthy?
Find something you love.
What allows you to just zone out and get lost in a whole other world? Bonus points if what you love can be used in your regular responsibilities. For me, cooking and crafting are my mental and emotional "getaways". Luckily, both contribute to at least one of my roles in life. Both of which I can pull my little ones in to help as well.
In the end, balance what you can, but recognize when there is no more room for new things. Always keep a spot open for yourself, because if you fall, everything will fall with you.
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