Are you one of those folks who walks through life looking straight ahead — not looking to your left or to your right — just straight ahead? Perhaps most days you’re looking down at your phone — hurrying to get to work, a meeting, your second job, or your kids’ after school activities. Here’s a question for you (and I hope you pause long enough to read it). Do you ever slow down or simply stop to look at your surroundings and see what you’ve been missing?
Many of us run through life as if we’re on borrowed time, and actually we are. We’re always borrowing time from something to do something else. Do you ever cut into your family time by staying at work a little longer? If so, you’re borrowing time from your family. Will you ever pay them back? Maybe you have to finish typing an important e-mail or check in with that coworker who’s having relationship troubles. Maybe you’re skipping gym time or a late dinner with friends. If so, you’re borrowing time that’s devoted to self care. Everything is scheduled these days — even our potty breaks.
If any of these scenarios describe you and your life, just stop. Take a deep, cleansing breath — in through the nose and out through the mouth. Some of us might benefit from a second breath. Now unplug from everything for a few minutes. Step away from your computer, turn off your phone, turn off the TV, and close your door. Take a little time to close your eyes and do absolutely nothing. If you’d prefer to meditate, then do that. I like to take a brisk walk around the building at work or take a 15-minute stroll through my neighborhood trail if I’m at home. When I return, I’m focused, refreshed, and ready to check off a few more boxes.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~Romans 12:2
Taking time for yourself isn’t a selfish thing; it’s a necessary thing. As the saying goes, You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re exhausted or feeling depleted, then you can’t serve anyone’s purpose — not yours and certainly not God’s. Make yourself a priority today. If that means taking a day off to lounge and watch movies, then do that. If you can’t take a whole day, take a half day to do whatever you like or nothing at all.
We have foolishly bought into this myth that we can somehow get caught up. As soon as you think you’re caught up, you find that there’s plenty more to do. So instead of getting overwhelmed by the number of tasks undone, take a respite. You can afford to take a 15-minute break. Actually, you can’t afford not to. Make self care a healthy habit by making time for yourself today. Scroll down to the comments, and share one thing that you will do differently today to take care of yourself. I think I’ll get a pedicure.
May blessings abound! <3
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Brilliant post as always. I have never gone with the flow of the world. I stop and admire beautiful gardens, observe the interaction of passers by, joke with my colleages daily and ask how are you and share silly dtories so they laugh at my expense. Mypotty time is not scheduled vause my body clock is never the same 😆😉🤔lol.
You know the latest thing that is happening in uk on roads whilst driving is people dint stop and give way even when logically they should becuase the turned onto road just as your getting to the end.. and they had space to ..but nooo you have to make for their ego..
It’s good to know that someone I “know” stops to smell the roses. I just feel like we’re all too encumbered by the business of busyness. :/ We need to spend more time enjoying our blessings — not just counting them and comparing them to others.
I’ll have a “me” break by taking a nap.
Don’t you just love naps? 😀
My devotion and journal time before bed is a must!
Love this!
I try to keep my head up & notice & appreciate my surroundings. Driving home last night & the moon was bright & beautiful – took my breadth away. Did you notice it?
I did notice it. It reminded me of the Super Moon from a while back.
That is seriously good advice!
Thank you! How are you? Enjoying your summer?
You’re welcome. Your posts are such high quality. Yeah, I took a week off and had a relaxing time. Hope you are, too!
Thanks for the kind words…means a lot. 😀 Yep, I took last week off to visit my family in LA. I’m also taking off most of this week to rest.
Reblogged this on Teachezwell Blog and commented:
Michelle Malone has written another winner! What’s one thing YOU will do differently today for yourself? I was going to say, “Eat chocolate,” but that’s not different. Perhaps I will go to bed before midnight!
Romans is arguably my favorite book in the Bible, have read multiple times. But I’m seeing this verse in an new light now.
Thanks for the few deep breaths Michelle!
Wow; this was timely. I actually decided to take a month off from writing in August to kind of “hit the reset button.” Too many areas of my life have been coasting in neutral, and this is one area where I can regroup myself.
God has a way of getting his messages to us, doesn’t he? I get it, my friend. I’m taking two weeks off from work so that I can recharge. I don’t think I’ve ever taken more than one week off in about 20 years. Enjoy the month of August.
Wish I had known about your trip to the nail salon. I could have joined you and we would have exhaled together! Nevertheless, I seriously need to work on this…
I didn’t actually make it today, Cee. I took a nap instead. I made an appointment for tomorrow. 😀 I hope all is well with you. <3
Lovely post and after reading it I was reflecting. As a young man I could lay on the grass watching clouds. I have no idea what was going through my mind, but I may try that again 😀
Hey there! Thanks for stopping by. We need to revert to some of our childish ways — gazing at the clouds is one of them. 🙂
Reblogged this on Moms Achieving Purpose and commented:
Truly, self care is priceless, especially for us as mothers.
We can’t afford not to take some time for self-care.
Great post. I now realize the importance of self-care to recollect your thoughts.
It’s necessary, and some folks see it as selfish. When you know better, you do better. Hey, I hope all is well with you.
All is well with me. Yep, I didn’t really see this growing up with my mom and I made sure to do it when I became a mom.