Who is At The Top of Your List?

Today I want to start right off with a little activity to get you started.  Take a moment and right down all the people (and pets) you love in your life.  Now, look at the list and find where you are located.  Say What?!?  Interesting right?  I recently saw this post on social media and I bet for many you don’t even have yourself on it.  

So often I have ladies tell me they don’t have time for themselves.  They are busy with their career, kids, spouse - always going - going - going, giving so much to everyone else and barely leaving anything for themselves.  No wonder we often turn to a little extra vino to take the edge off.  But remember - you can not pour love from an empty bottle, and you are the most important person to take care of.  You need to be healthy - that includes physical and mental health, in order to be the best for everyone around you.  

The challenging part is you give so much to others, at your expense, but you do receive an external reward.  You are viewed as the giver and you really are, but inside you are starving for your own attention.  So often this feeling of lack leads to over eating, over drinking and a lot of over thinking.   Recall your most recent flight - the airplane instructions are just as pertinent in life - put your oxygen mask on first and  you are much more helpful to those around you.  You must begin, and continue the process of self care.

It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day activities.  The PTA meeting, and the Happy Hours with work colleagues, are all secondary to your emotional health and physical care.  The truth is, there will always be things vying for your attention.  A lot of times you will figure out ways to do both, and if not, you start learning how to put yourself first.  You will need to practice this skill and it can be challenging at times but ironically you will find when you start taking care of your self you have even more to give to those around you.  

We are so quick to beat ourselves up about every little thing, today I encourage you to take the time to make a list of 12 things you like and appreciate about yourself.  They can be very small things or big things - just please at least get to 12.  Next, get out your to do list and make sure you are at the top.  Having self value is the starting point where you can show others around you that self care of you is never a selfish thing.  I promise - you are not taking anything away from others, in fact by doing this you will add value and joy to their lives.  Happy Sunday Fun-day!     

Each week I offer 2 free mini sessions, first come first serve, to women who have had weight loss surgery and find themselves still struggling with food, or have developed a new struggle with overdrinking.  If you want to feel more in control and peaceful  Sign up here to discuss how my program may help you.  Once you sign up you will receive a call in number and appointment reminder.  Some may not be a fit, and that is fine - I consider it a privilege to offer free help in advance.