Taking care of ...ME!

If you have a nurturing nature, like some of us do, it is very easy to always think of others and leave out someone important....ourselves.

Just do this "check" for me.....Do you have problems when you do act a "tiny bit" selfish and do something just "for yourself"? If you answered "YES" to this little test, then you are an unselfish caregiver. Although it is a Godly characteristic, you must be careful, it can be draining.... it must be monitored for the "life of the caregiver".

Don't get me wrong, being a caring person is a wonderful virtue. Kindness in today's society is great to feel, behold.....it almost feels like "generosity" is a lost art. If you ask our kids today to be "generous", many would probably ask you ~ what does that mean?

We live in a rushed, hurried, "take/take" world. Many things we do is totally about "ME" ~ Too busy, don't have time for anyone else...just "Me and Mine". Why, we cannot finish the projects of "today" for ourselves....how are we suppose to have the time to reach out to help another?

The generous heart will go out of their way to help others....sometimes at their own expense.

Is it possible to stay thoughtful and considerate without any "self-sacrificing" acts? I believe YES, but it is a fine line that must be examined regularly...

As a altruistic, selfless personality, care must be taken to:

Remember that you are not going to be any good for ANYONE if you give ALL of you away.

Realize that it is OK to think about yourself sometimes....we must preserve ourselves for the long haul.

Keep reminding yourself that, "I am important".... it is easy to let "giving" take away everything, even your self-esteem. You are WORTHY and IMPORTANT! And it is OK to believe it!

So, give until you are "spent", then plan something for yourself to help recuperate. Take a vacation with some of your best friends, a shopping trip, a "makeover" outing (complete with manicure, pedicure and tanning!)....After these "rejuvenating, peaceful, unstressful" times, you will come back refreshed, more loving and ready to "give". Sounds like a win/win situation, right?

If you are married, you will not believe how your husband will respond when you "take care of yourself". The enjoyment that he feels when he knows you are happy, is well worth the "time spent on ME". This joy radiates....from you to husband, to children, to friends.....and we all become "better and happier" in the process.

So, now we must try to figure out where the LINE comes.....WHEN do I put all this in place?...the "time" for me? Well, you alone must work that one out....but don't get too BUSY that you don't put yourself on your own schedule. Write your name in a time-slot and see what happens.....:)