I’m going to be brutally honest with you because I suspect that I’m not the only one who needs to be brutally honest: Sometimes I don’t take good care of myself.
The last few years have been beyond busy. Most of it has been good stuff—things that I’ve been doing for the Lord—but my hectic schedule led me to the place where even I realized that I had to take better care of myself in order to fulfill the tasks to which God’s called me.
I’ve finally understood that I’m the only one who can do that, so over the last year I’ve taken regular baby steps to improve my self-care. Maybe you’d like to join me on the journey?
I’ve discovered that all those yummy desserts aren’t so wonderful when my blood sugar inches up, and I don’t feel well. So I’m making wiser choices.
I’ve accepted the fact that I’m (ahem) getting older. (I mean, it’s hard not to when my grandmother’s wrinkles stare back at me in the mirror every morning.) Whatever I can do to help strengthen my body now will help me down the road as the aging process continues. To help with agility and balance, I’ve started doing exercises recommended for folks who’ve “matured.” I like that word so much better than “older.”
I’m learning to rest. When my body screams, “I’m exhausted!” I need to listen. It’s not easy carving out time in my day, but when my physical batteries are on empty, there’s no cure but to recharge them. When I do rest, I’m way more productive for the rest of the day.
And I’ve learned to pray and ask God to be the keeper of my schedule. I’m a slow learner, but I’m finally realized the benefits of asking God, “Should I do this?” before I tell folks I will do something.
Doing my part to take care of me makes a difference—but not just for me. My healthy choices affect those I love. I want to be around and self-sufficient for many years so we can enjoy being together, and I can watch my grandbabies grow up.
What can you do today to take care of YOU? It’s a choice that only you can make, but whatever you decide, today is the perfect time to start.
