Make yourself a priority.
What? How could I utter such a taboo and selfish statement? Afterall, you’re already busy being an employee, a parent, a lover, friend, a member of the community; how can you possibly find time for you? I don’t even know how you have time to read this. Laundry is piling up, the kids are impatiently waiting for dinner and help with their homework, don’t forget lunches, emails and texts to respond to. Life is hectic. But guess what? It’ll all still be there after a session of “you.”
I know we carry a lot of responsibilities on our shoulders. The worst part, it’s hard not to feel guilty putting them off. I’m here to tell you though, it’s okay. Make yourself a priority. You’re the foundation of the responsibility pyramid. If the foundation is cracked, eventually you and all you juggle, will crumble. We can’t afford that. You’re too important. So, if you think about it, making yourself a priority is really kind of selfless. You’re working on giving everyone the best you.
Trust me, I have battled with this guilt during different stages of my life, so I speak from experience. I struggled when I started my career, when I became a father, and again when I decided to chase my dreams of becoming a comedian.
When I had cancer though, it was easy to make myself a priority. People promoted it. I’d constantly hear things like, “make sure you’re giving yourself enough attention,” or “I hope you are taking care of you.” My loved ones went one step further: they were making me their priority, especially my girlfriend, Julie.
Julie would skip the gym to go to a doctor’s appointment. She wouldn’t schedule anything for herself, like a pedicure or haircut, in case I needed her. She would carve out time to help fill the role of a father to my kids since I wasn’t 100 percent available. She was selfless and amazing. While I am grateful, I also know it took a toll on her.
Even after I went into remission, it was hard for Julie to get back her “me” time. When she eventually did, I saw an immediate difference in her. She needed that time. I needed her to have that time.
I know it’s hard. Once you volunteer that “you time” away, it’s difficult to justify ever claiming it back. So, let’s make a deal. Take 10 minutes for you. Baby steps. Below is a link for a 10-minute stretch routine. Yes, stretching. Don’t laugh. Stretching has a lot of benefits: increased flexibility, better blood flow, relieves stress, better posture and digestion, and can even relieve tension headaches.
(Click here for the stretching routine)
Try out the 10-minute routine. Or go for a walk. Read a book in a quiet area of the house. It doesn’t matter what you decide to do with the time, just make sure you make it about you. Spend it making yourself happy and healthy. At the end of the day, we all need you that way.
See also:
Our Rebuild: The Journey Begins Today
Comedian Buddy Harris To Write Column For North Penn Now
Local Comedian Overwhelmed By Support Following Cancer Diagnosis
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