One other thing worth mentioning here; we look at the time we give ourselves as an inconvenience. As such, we try to fit it in, and we go about it all wrong. It’s not a chore, or a duty, or a check-off box. It’s a lifestyle, my lifestyle.
I had to get my priorities straight. I could survive (more or less) 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, 1 week without sleep, and 3 weeks without food. Therefore, there is no bargaining there. But, and this is a big “but”, we are not animals, we are gifted with a well-developed frontal cortex, and dotted with higher intelligence. We need more. Besides love and socialization, we need self-nurturing in some type or form. Here enters the fifth element: the holistic, nurturing piece we often think of as a non-vital piece of the whole. I come here to tell you that this seemingly insignificant piece of the puzzle makes us complete, and plays out long-term in our emotional, behavioral wellbeing. Skimping on giving ourselves the self-nurture piece for our existence takes us to the slippery slope of declining mental and physical health, increasing incidence of isolation, substance abuse, burnout, less life fulfillment and happiness, and ultimately, an early grave.
It happens that my go-to place involves running, but through the years I became a whole-athlete. I run, I swim, I bike, I cross-train and do weights. One reason being diversity, I like to improvise and allow myself to pick what feels good for that day. Diversity brings less structure, and God only knows my life is structured enough. My workouts are supposed to be fun, relaxing for my brain and my whole being. If those routines would become a chore – and they have in the past – I start to resent them. Second reason is age. With age I’ve become wiser, realizing that pounding the same set of bodily joints will put me out of commission faster, and rob me of the daily “re-set” of my mind.
Bottom line, whatever your self-nurturing “Me Time” may be, find it, then apply it steadily until it becomes part of your daily routine. You are no different than me in this respect. You will thank yourself. Sooner rather than later, because you matter first to yourself. How could you possibly help care for others when you can’t care for yourself first? Take it from me, practice makes permanent.
With Hope & Faith,
CONTINUED...
"How do you fit it all in? I get asked this magic question, ALL the time. Well, I don’t. I came to realize that I cannot possibly fit it ALL in. Something has got to give, and it’s only up to me, and me alone, to figure out what matters most to me, my priorities in my own life."