I often find myself taking on many tasks at once. As soon as someone asks me for help with something, I say yes without a second thought. I then find myself piled up with things to do and pulling all-nighters to try and get everything done. I am left with no time for myself, or the things I want and need to do.
Most of the time, it is really hard to say no to the people we care about. We worry that by saying no we will put them in a bind or leave them short-handed. We also fear that they will get mad at us, or will feel that they can no longer depend on us. However, we need to realize that sometimes it is necessary to say no to some things especially if we just do not have the time or the energy. We can do plenty of things, but we cannot do everything all at once.
While it is extremely important for us to help our loved ones and to put others before ourselves, sometimes we have to put ourselves first. Sometimes, we just have to take a take step back and make sure that our own needs are met.
"If we are not adequate care of ourselves, we cannot fully give others the care that they need."
Before we love others, we must first love ourselves. Just as our body needs food as nourishment to function and survive, so does our minds. If our minds and bodies are not cared for, we come crashing down and are not able to do all that we need to get done. In order to be our best selves and to perform to our fullest extent, we have to take good care of ourselves. Caring for ourselves is the same as caring for others.
Sometimes, whenever I feel like everyone's needs are met but my own, I forget that God is right there to take care of me and guide me. It is very important to take time for God, because he is the one that really holds us together. If we don't set aside enough time in our day for him, we will become distanced from him. Without him, we can never fully care for ourselves. In Matthew 4:4 he tells us, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
"As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
Whenever you don't take care of yourself, you lose the inner light inside of you that allows you to fully serve others and brighten their lives. Whenever you have that light shining through you, it inspires them to let their's shine as well. Pass your light on to others.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." -1 Corinthians 6:19
