Take Time for Yourself

How many times do we sit down to write out a "to-do" list? How many times to we make mental "to-do" lists?

Probably hundreds of times!

We, as women, are so often in the mode of taking care of others and practically forgetting about ourselves. Then at the end of the day, we're exhausted, tired, and just want to fall into bed...just to do it all over again the next day. We rarely sit down to think about what we need, what we want and how to squish ourselves into our daily lives.

I know, this sounds selfish. At least for me it does! I grew up believing that I should always, always put others first and if I had time for myself, then I could do something, but I should also consider all the other things I could be doing for friends or family. And I'd send myself on guilt trips for all the things I could have done, if I chose to sit down and enjoy a book, or sew something for myself, etc.

Being a servant for others is great! It's what Jesus commands us to do, and it's what we really are here on earth for. Our focus should be on loving others, serving them, whether it's within our own homes, or out of the home. If you work, the focus should be on your customers and co-workers around you. Make sure they get to take their breaks, and feel loved. If you're a stay-at-home mom, then your focus should be on keeping a clean house, loving on your kids, and doing things to make your husband feel welcomed when he is home.

But there does come a time where you need to take some time for yourself. Jesus did that! He took 40 days out in the desert to sleep and eat, and pray. It's very important to know the difference between being selfish with "your time" and needing "your time."

I found all  this out earlier this week. I am a person to go and go and go...and go. For the past few years of my life, even before I was married, I never really figured out how to take time for myself. I always felt like I was being selfish when I'd say no to someone needing help, or not accomplish that pile of laundry, or left the dishes in the sink, or didn't dust those shelves, or didn't take a meal to that person, etc, etc. But earlier this week, I had what I'd call my first mental breakdown. I got so stressed, overwhelmed, tired and frustrated that I told my hubby I was going out and just walked out of the house. I took my phone with me and found myself wandering out by the pool/veranda area. It was beautiful! Flowers were everywhere, the breeze was perfect, even tho it was quite warm outside. It was quiet. There wasn't a soul in sight. I sat down on a chair and just allowed my eyes to drift around and take in the beauty around me. I pulled my phone out and played a game, then I pulled up the Kindle app on my phone and started reading one of my favorite books. Hour after hour passed. With each hour, I felt a renewed sense within my being. I soaked in the sun. I felt the stress leaving my body. The tension drained out like the tide going out to sea. It felt reallyyyyyy good. It felt like I'd gone on a mini vacation.

 After reading for a little while, I recline the chair back, stretched my legs out and closed my eyes and prayed. I told God all my problems, fears and doubts. I even told Him I felt bad for leaving my hubby in the house alone with the kids so I could take time for myself. Even with all the relaxation, I still had a shred of guilt weighing me down for being so "selfish" for taking time for myself.

But then His quiet Voice reassured me that I was doing the right thing. He reminded me about His time in the desert and how even He needed time alone, to rest and pray. He reminded me of how He came to earth to leave us an example. He didn't live on earth just to preform miracles and serve people. He came to earth to show us an acceptable and perfect way to live our lives.

When I heard His reassuring Voice, reminding me of all that, I felt the last bit of guilt wash away.

So I am saying all this to remind you: take time for yourself. You can't live to the full potential unless you take some time to renew your mind, refresh your soul and even do something to bless yourself. It's good and fine to do that. Once you get into the habit of taking time for yourself, it might be tempting to do it wayyy more often than you should! But don't let that deter you from taking time for yourself! Serve your family, take care of your responsibilities, but also take that time to be alone and relax.