Showing Up For Yourself

Making time for yourself is an opportunity to check in and, just maybe, recalibrate your priorities.

“The way we do anything is the way we do everything.” ~Martha Beck

Are you a person who puts the needs of others before your own?

I've got news for you.

This is how burnout happens. Not only that, but it can also turn into resentment over time. And, illness. Manifesting itself as anxiety, depression, worry, apathy, sadness, anger, spiritual disconnect, and all manner of physical ailments.

This is how energy gets stuck in your body. It's the feeling of unease that continually lingers in the background. When we give everything we have to others and neglect our own needs, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to tune in to our innermost desires, spend time with our emotions, and to know our bodies intimately.

By being fully present for ourselves first, we become better equipped to support and help our family, friends, and community. We also set the tone for how we expect to be treated by showing that we choose to make ourselves a priority. Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.

Let's flip the script for just a moment.

What would happen if you made time for yourself to pursue your favorite activity or ritual? What do you love and would happily commit a set amount of time to every week? The key is to make whatever you choose a non-negotiable time where you are actively engaged. To be clear, this time excludes TV, social media scrolling, or other "zone out" routines.

Maybe that's 15 minutes of uninterrupted time every day. Or, it could mean several hours of dedicated time each week to your pursuit. Whatever you choose, protect that time like your life depends on it. Because it does.

This is what radical self-love looks like. This is showing up for yourself.

This is waking up to life.