Self-care

In my counseling program, I am learning that it is important for me to take care of my physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  I cannot be of use to anyone if I am neglecting myself.  Self-care is more than just getting work-out in or channeling your energy.  It is about finding what makes you happy and doing it.

(I am referring to myself in this post, but if the shoe fits you....)

My happy is sometimes hidden by all of the things I have to do.  Like many women, I am constantly setting my needs aside and tending to the needs of others.  I awake early and go to bed late.  Life is definitely a balancing act for me.  My faith keeps me grounded, but my sanity is hanging on my a thread.

I have found that I have to take at least one hour a week to myself.  I use this time to do what I want, how I want and where I want.  Ususally, I get in an extra work-out or catch a few extra z's.  Lately it seems as if that hour has turned into a minute.  I know when I've reached my wits end when I everything becomes a chore, including getting up in the morning.

If I continue to neglect myself, I could end up severely depressed or become hostile.  So today, I choose to find my happy.  I will begin my quest to find the things that make me happy and do them.  I am committed to reclaiming my hour a week and working my way up to an hour a day.  I need this.  I can no longer hide my smile behind worry lines and stress marks.

I choose to not let anyone or anything stand in my way.  I release the frustration and stress that binds me.  I am free.