Wow, it has been almost a year since I posted anything to Managing it All?! Time has flown. To say life has been busy is an understatement. The last 12 months have brought along many amazing adventures and accomplishments that have kept me very happy, but busy. I became a published author, launched an app for a new business, went live with a product I spent two years building at work, had several speaking engagements, took over a new case as a volunteer CASA while closing another and seeing three successful adoptions, and oh yeah, my husband and I bought a winery and then changed jobs! I have been reminded of what “managing it all” really means.
With all the many great things that happened I was also reminded that I can be my own worse enemy. I once had a friend say that instead of burning the candle at both ends, I simply ball the wax up and light the whole thing on fire. Well, that is exactly what I was feeling. Then, at the end of September, I had minor sinus surgery and within a week and a half of that, I got the dreaded Covid.
Who’s Got Time For This?!
As I am sure everyone thinks, this couldn’t have happened at a worse time. Busy doesn’t even begin to describe my schedule but especially so at that time. While I was sick for more than a month, I know I was a lucky one. I did not get hospitalized as so many I know, but it sure did knock me on my butt and remind me that I cannot do everything myself. As so many times in the past when life consumed me, I had once again lost sight of selfcare as a priority.
I realized I had been doing little things like skipping the gym more, not eating right, avoiding doctor appointments, and many of the other things that made me feel better. I “just didn’t have time”, or at least that was what I told myself. After recovering, I reminded myself that without my health, nothing else will matter. I knew I had to start making selfcare a priority again.
Prioritizing Selfcare
Since then, there are many things I have been trying to fit into our busy lives, but I know they need to be a priority. I am taking the time to do the things I want and need to feel better physically and mentally. But yet again, it has become more difficult as I recently changed jobs and I had to adjust my schedule to travel and longer hours, and so I find myself backsliding. I know I am not alone in this struggle!
Selfcare is usually the first thing we let go as women, mothers, and wives. We give our time and schedule to all people and things we love or feel an obligation to around us. Most women, especially mothers, have an overwhelming need to take care of others before themselves.
Being Our Best Selves
It is something we often must be reminded of, but it is important to remember. Maybe we all need the flight attendant message to play randomly for us, “Put your oxygen mask on before helping others.” Afterall, to Manage It All and be our best selves for those same people and things we are sacrificing for, don’t we have to be healthy?
So we must go to the gym, make that doctors appointment (yes, even the mammogram), have the ladies night out, get the massage, and schedule that vacation! Oh, and here is the tricky part my friends – all without judging ourselves. One thing is for sure in these crazy times, we really don’t have time, NOT to make selfcare a priority.
This is the perfect site for anybody who hopes to understand this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject that has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just great!