Whew! Tough question...... We spend so much time taking care of husbands and kids and coworkers, that we forget to do things for ourselves. We need to take care of us, ladies. Whether it's taking a long bath, sitting at the coffee shop with a friend, or getting a pedicure, do something that doesn't benefit anybody but yourself.
I used to think that I was selfish if I did something like that. But the truth is, we are much better to others if we take care of ourselves. You know how the flight attendant on the airplanes go through the emergency procedures before take off? One of the things they always stress is that if the oxygen masks drop down, put your's on before you put one on anyone else. That's hard! Who wouldn't instinctively want to put it on their child first? But, then if you lose consciousness, who's going to take care of your child?
A counselor gave me an assignment once that was really difficult for me. He said "think about what it would look like if Melissa loved herself the way she loves others." That took some work, but I thought about what it looks like when I love someone. I am kind to them, quick to forgive, look out for their best interest, feed them healthy, make sure they get rest, affirm and encourage them.
Why do I not do those things for Melissa? What would it look like if I did? Does our Heavenly Father not want us to love ourselves? He does, because we are His and He dwells in us. This was a huge revelation for me and took some time for me to start walking in. But I am so glad that I am. Not that I don't have challenges and at times have to remind myself to stop and check myself, but I find I am learning to love me. And that's a great feeling.
Take care of YOU. It's ok. Be good to yourself. Love yourself. Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself. Treat you as well as you treat others.
I used to think that I was selfish if I did something like that. But the truth is, we are much better to others if we take care of ourselves. You know how the flight attendant on the airplanes go through the emergency procedures before take off? One of the things they always stress is that if the oxygen masks drop down, put your's on before you put one on anyone else. That's hard! Who wouldn't instinctively want to put it on their child first? But, then if you lose consciousness, who's going to take care of your child?
A counselor gave me an assignment once that was really difficult for me. He said "think about what it would look like if Melissa loved herself the way she loves others." That took some work, but I thought about what it looks like when I love someone. I am kind to them, quick to forgive, look out for their best interest, feed them healthy, make sure they get rest, affirm and encourage them.
Why do I not do those things for Melissa? What would it look like if I did? Does our Heavenly Father not want us to love ourselves? He does, because we are His and He dwells in us. This was a huge revelation for me and took some time for me to start walking in. But I am so glad that I am. Not that I don't have challenges and at times have to remind myself to stop and check myself, but I find I am learning to love me. And that's a great feeling.
Take care of YOU. It's ok. Be good to yourself. Love yourself. Be kind to yourself. Forgive yourself. Treat you as well as you treat others.