Are You Number One?
Are you Number One? Where do you fall on your list of priorities?
We all have busy lives, when we get up in the morning the clock starts ticking and the race is on! We are stretched in so many directions, and we have a hard time saying “no” when we are asked to do more. At the end of the day take a moment to ask yourself, “What did I do for myself today?” Chances are you probably didn’t even take the time to eat lunch which means you certainly did not stop to smell the roses. I used to live this way until I made a conscious effort to make myself number one.
Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/damedeeso
I knew that with a baby on the way this cycle had the potential to become more demanding than it already was. So, before my son was born I made a pact with myself: I will put myself before others, even him. Now before you think that I am a selfish person, let me explain. If I put everybody and everything ahead of myself, then when will I take care of myself? Never! With a sound mind and strong body I am much more valuable as a father. Not to mention that I will be around longer to enjoy all that is in store for me as my son grows up.
I believe self care is one of the least taught lessons in life, and one of the most important gifts we can give ourselves and others, especially our children. The three areas that we can tap into to keep us healthy are our Mind, Body & Spirit.
- Mind – “Mind over matter,” if you don’t mind, it don’t’ matter. I get inspiration from learning how others have overcome adversity, achieved athletic excellence or success in business. One of the most inspiring people I have come to love is Scott Rigsby; a guy who lost his legs but became an Iron Man.
**The Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson is also up on my list of fascinating and thought-provoking reads that challenged and inspired me.
- Body –If don’t take care of my physical body it will eventually catch up with me and I absolutely want to be around for years to come to play volleyball with my son. Sometimes a family walk with my 3 German Shepards is all it takes. When I want more of an adventure I go to Crossfit; this has been a fun challenge to say the least.
- Spirit –If I don’t feed my spirituality, I lose touch with God. For me taking time to meditate and practice yoga helps me stay in touch with God. It’s a given that God is the ultimate number one. God is omnipresent and there is only one of me. Putting myself first, even before my family is strengthening my spirit while creating a balanced life for my family.
We can only serve others well, when we serve ourselves well. This is clearer to me now more than ever since becoming a father. We either model healthy choices or we forge an uphill battle we will never win. And, you ultimately want to win. You’re Number One!
Ask yourself these 3 Questions:
How do you care for yourself?
Do you put yourself high or low on your priority list?
What can you do to put yourself at the top of the list?
Neil
27 Comments
Neil,
This is an excellent reminder for me. As a wife, mother of many, and employee, I get extremely caught up in everybody and everything else. It’s almost as if we need permission to care for ourselves. I am going to make it a personal commitment this year to remember me, and that I am able to care for my mind, body, and soul above all the other things that pull me in 500 different directions.
oxoxoxo
Kari
Hi Kari –
Thank you for your reply! I am glad you recognize the importance of taking care of your self.
You will still have the 500 other things to attend to, yet you will be in a better place to serve those around you!
Neil
Well said, Neil! I’m frequently finding myself last on my list of priorities & that needs to change. I’ve been doing much better at putting ME first than in years past & practice will make me better at it. Thank you for putting it out there so simply! Carrie
Hi Carrie –
Thanks for your reply! Just remember that you are number ONE and it is OK to take care for your self. Heck you deserve the best, you give so much to so many people. As a care taker your self care will reflex how well you can care for others.
Neil
Wow! This post actually brings tears to my eyes…. How quickly we can fall into a state of false humility and forget that even the Bible tells us we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we DO need to take care of ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing this wisdom.
Maria
Maria –
Great to hear from you! I am sorry to bring tears to you, yet I am glad you are not a robot too. I know this is a basic message yet, I forget about my self at times too. I have to make a conscience decision to plan out my week for working out, my eating habits are my struggle, I have a lot of opportunity to improve in this area. I hope you and your family are well. We miss you dearly! Thank you for still supporting us! XOXOXO
Neil
I so appreciate your blog. It reminds me that we are lifelong learners on this big blue ball. And sometimes it takes someone to challenge us on various levels of life for us to make the connection. When I was young I thought that when I got married that my husband would “take care of me.” As I grew older and somewhat wiser, I realized that we are the owners of the temple. We are in charge of our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical self. What we do or do not do, determines the outcome. l will protect my heart, and feed my body, soul and mind. How do I do that? I walk in the evenings around my new home in the Village, I listen to one really great music at night, and I’m reading a really great book called “The Power of Pause” by Terry Hershey, and from that, I’m learning to live my life by seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting, much more than ever before. What a concept, huh? Thanks, Neil
Pat