It is one thing to plan, another to follow through. Action is essential to advance. The cornerstone of any action is remaining true to ourselves in the process. Progress depends on continually moving forward.
Life can become full, work, family, and commitments pulling at our attention, until it feels like there’s no space to step off the merry-go-round. Over time, this can lead to feelings of overwhelm, frustration, and exhaustion. We owe it to ourselves to evaluate “What do I need to feel whole and valued by myself for myself?” No one else can do this for us. On an airplane, in an emergency requiring oxygen, we need to put on our own masks first, then stay alert and alive to help others with theirs. When we apply the same principle in everyday life, it is amazing what changes in perspective and well-being can occur.
Are you ready to give yourself permission to have the space to work out who to be? The secret is to keep it short and simple as you take your next steps.
In the morning: Take 15 minutes in a quiet, inviting space. That could mean waking a little earlier before moving into action. Have a Cuppa or glass of water, appreciate your time to yourself, take some deep breaths, and decide how you want to feel today. Examples could include peaceful, calm, motivated, organized, compassionate, patient, and so on.
Toward the end of the day: Find a time again when you can have 15 minutes for yourself. Take the time to evaluate how things went today. What made you feel good about your day? Were you able to mostly maintain that feeling of, e.g., peace? What could you do differently to better maintain your self-value? (choose only one thing)
Name three things you are grateful for today. (This could be anything, an interaction, a person, a feeling, the trees, the birds, your family……)
Write all of this down in a diary or notebook put aside just for this exercise. Give thanks to yourself for caring about yourself. Celebrate your Life.
Science has shown that small steps like this make connections in the brain that promote feelings of well-being and hope. The idea is to proceed consistently without making a big deal of it, and as you unfold your inner wisdom and enhance your ability to value yourself, you will begin to enjoy being of service to others more because you are no longer leaving yourself out as much.
As the saying goes, “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” (Chinese Proverb)
