“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.” ~~ Dalai Lama XIV
(Photo courtesy of Just As I Am)
This week’s post is a bit late, I know. Honestly, I just have not had the energy to devote to it until today. I think I am still recovering from the events of the last two weeks, as I am noticing my energy is extremely low. It’s like I used everything up to get through these past two weeks, and I’ve got little left to give away right now. It’s frustrating, but just part of this thing called life, right?
Usually when I get this way, I find myself apologizing for not being able to do everything I would normally do. But I came across the most wonderful blog post last week from a new friend of mine, Melissa. Her blog is absolutely wonderful, and always hits home in some way for me. But the post from last week REALLY hit me, because it’s all about NOT apologizing for every little thing because it actually minimizes you. Profound, right??? You should read it…click here to check it out.
Then earlier this week, my other friend, Patty, posted her blog. And yet again, it spoke to me REALLY strongly. When I met up with her for our workout on Tuesday evening, I let her know that it was the PERFECT blog for me to read this week…it’s all about listening…REALLY listening to the messages meant for you. If you don’t, you’ll never be able to truly know where you’re meant to fit in this world. Makes sense, right? Click here to read this wonderful post.
So…I am not apologizing for being late with this post, as I am not sorry at all. I actually did what I needed to do…which was to listen to my body’s signals that I needed to take a break for a few days. To regroup and recharge, so to speak.
It’s all about nurturing yourself. You have to give yourself what you need, body and soul. Otherwise, how can you expect to be any good to the people who need you? Had I posted on Sunday or Monday, like I typically do, whatever I wrote would have been totally unauthentic. And to me, that’s totally unacceptable and a disservice to everyone who takes the time to read this blog.
This week, take the time to nurture YOU. I know many of my readers have families, and you spend most (if not all) of your time doing for others. Do you also take the time to do for YOURSELF? If you don’t, you may end up totally run down like I was. It happens. But do your best whenever possible to take some time for YOU. Maybe it’s to take a yoga class (hopefully one of mine…hint, hint!), maybe it’s to get your nails done, maybe it’s to take a nice walk. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that recharges and rejuvenates you. If that means doing something by yourself, then do it! Believe it or not, all those people who depend on you will understand. If they truly love and care for you, they’d rather have you at your best, wouldn’t you say?
I love hearing from you all, so feel free to comment here to let me know what kinds of things you do take care of YOU. And I am sure the other readers want to know, too…sharing what works for each of us is a great way to build community…another great way to nurture. Just sayin’! Here are some of the things I did to recharge this week:
- Watched marathon sessions of True Blood, as I am new to the show…I’ve been watching 1-2 episodes a night to catch up and I am now over halfway through Season 3…total escape from reality, which is just what I needed.
- Strength session with my friend, Patty. I almost canceled because I was SO tired and run down. But I didn’t and I am so glad I didn’t. It was just what I needed.
- Hot Slow Flow Yoga class with my oldest daughter. She called me at work yesterday and asked me if I wanted to go to this class with her. Again, I was SO tired, but she’ll be going off to college in a few months, so I will take any alone time with her that I can until then. Plus, my friend Patty was teaching…bonus! I had to modify and take lots of breaks, but that was what my body needed so I listened. And I walked away feeling amazing!
- Visited my chiropractor. I know that when I am “off”, I need an adjustment. Sure enough, my adrenals were a mess, which explains the super low energy. After the adjustment, I felt a huge difference…LOVE!
Namaste,
Melanie
SC Yoga Girl 