When was the last time you did something just for you? I’m not talking ‘bout normal everyday things either, like taking a shower. Although, if you have a newborn baby at home, showers are a huge challenge. I’m talking ‘bout legit spoiling yourself. Ya know, like getting away from all your responsibilities and letting your hair down for a bit.
Think about it. Have you noticed that once you hit a certain status in your life, whether it is a full-time college student, full-time employee, parent, boss, or coach, then instantly your needs go to the bottom of the list. At first, it isn’t overwhelming, you actually enjoy studying (Ok maybe just the parties), the work, the coaching, whatever it is. You love pouring yourself into something or someone bigger than you.
Or at least, that’s the case, until somewhere along the way you get lost. As in your whole identity is wrapped up into someone else, or something else. This doesn't even take years to happen. This problem can arise in as little as a few months. All of a sudden, you look in the mirror and you have no idea who you are looking at.
That is scary as shit. But I am gonna let you in on a secret. First of all, you are the one who allowed your identity to be stolen. Second, you deserve to have some time for you. It is a necessity in life. In no way does that make you a selfish person. Lastly, you can walk away for a period of time and everything will still be OK when you come back. Maybe not perfect, but hey, what the hell is perfect anyway?
Have you realized that taking care of other people is actually easier than taking care of yourself? Seriously, look at your schedule right now. Tell me how many hours did you set aside to shuffle people all over town. How many hours to cook meals? How about homework hours? What about date nights? Now tell me how many hours are set aside for you. Whether that time looks like dinner or breakfast with friends, reading a book, or getting your hair and nails done? How many hours? Probably none. You get so consumed with making sure everyone else is good, that there is no time left over for you.
It took me many years to fully come to appreciate this quote:
“You can not pour from an empty cup”
Honestly, I still don't feel like I have a great grasp on it. But it is a work in progress.
When I walk away for a few hours, I come back with a new fire inside me - ready to conquer anything. I absolutely LOVE hooking up with my girlfriends and having dinner at least once a month. Scheduling this takes work, not gonna lie. But I make it a priority because when we are done, my cup runneth over.
When I walk away for a few hours, I come back with a new fire inside me - ready to conquer anything. I absolutely LOVE hooking up with my girlfriends and having dinner at least once a month. Scheduling this takes work, not gonna lie. But I make it a priority because when we are done, my cup runneth over.
For realz peeps, my all-time favorite walkaway... My girlfriends and I rented a tiny house for the night. We went down the road to eat dinner at a fancy restaurant. Afterward, we ordered dessert to take home with us. We literally sat up all night laughing our asses off and talking about nothing. You remember those days when you could stay up all night, by choice. That was over a year ago and we are still talking and laughing about that weekend.
I promise, and I understand, that life gets in the way. I get that you have jobs, kids, spouses, and responsibilities. But one day, all of those people and things will be gone. I don’t want you to wait until that happens to start finding yourself. You are only cheating yourself...
Let me leave you with this: You also deserve to have a life because you were created for greatness. Quit holding yourself back; go explore this wonderful world we live in. Don’t worry about what other people think about your life.
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