who’s caring for you
As a Life Coach, I find that most of my clients have one thing in common. They’re so busy taking care of everyone else and their needs that they neglect to take care of themselves. Over-giving is a sign of deprivation, a signal that a need isn’t being met or an emotion isn’t being expressed or a void isn’t getting filled. Whether we want to admit this or not, it leaves us angry and frustrated!
Why do we give too much? What is the payoff?
We want people to like us, enjoy spending time with us. We want people to see us as wise and helpful. We like the feeling of being needed. We do everything we can to avoid the anxiety we feel whenever someone disapproves of something we do.
Let’s look at some common complaints and what they really mean:
When you catch yourself saying things such as: I never have time to do what I want to do. What you’re really saying is: I don’t take time for myself.
When you insist: I always end up doing everything myself. The truth of what you’re really saying is: I don’t ask for help.
When you hear yourself complaining: No one appreciates the things I do. What you most likely mean is: I take on way too much, hoping that someone will notice and tell me how good I am or how grateful they are.
What do we need to do in order to take care of ourselves?
We can begin by learning to love ourselves. When you treat and view yourself with the respect you deserve you experience the peace that comes from being present to yourself. When we care for ourselves deeply and deliberately, we naturally begin to care for others, our families and friends in a healthier more effective way.
Mind, Body & Spirit
Caring for your body is essential for good health. Get regular physicals, eye exams, take care of your teeth. Treat yourself to a massage, a facial, manicure and pedicure.
Practice tuning into your body by stopping and noticing how you feel.
What are you doing to nourish your mind and your spirit? Take time to read a good book, a novel or something inspirational. When life gets chaotic and we feel like we’re on the hampster wheel, it’s time reconnect with ourselves. Find a few minutes to BREATHE…sit quietly and go within. Journaling, meditating or whatever your spiritual practice is can make a huge difference in your day.
It’s time to begin taking care of yourself. Do something every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Remember: If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take of anyone else!
blogger bio
After losing my husband eight years ago from a severe stroke and finding myself in the depths of despair, I picked myself up and moved on with my life while taking care of two children, a home, animals and financial responsibilities.Upon completion of grief therapy, I realized I needed help with a new direction for my life. I began working with a Life Coach. During that time, we discovered that I had a gift for performing the same kind of work. I took the initiative and enrolled with the Coach’s Training Institute Certification Program and became certified in 2008. In 2009, I became a graduate of the Coach’s Training Institute’s Leadership Program, which changed my life forever!After the loss of my husband and the recent loss of my sister to cancer, I found the courage to overcome adversity and move forward with my life. With the help of mentors and training, I discovered a profound strength that supplies me with the tools for sharing with others and a deeper capacity for compassion and understanding during challenging times.I have dedicated my life’s work to helping women whose lives have been adversely impacted; assisting them with healing and providing them with the tools and support to re-energize and to face new beginnings for living life with passion and purpose.Contact information for Denise:
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach
Pick Up The Pieces Life Coaching
www.pickupthepieceslifecoaching.com
denisewest888@yahoo.com
661-714-9404
Great article Denise!
Marlene
Oh this is such good and nurturing advise! So many women need to shift their focus towards taking care of themselves first. They’ll have so much more to give others.
Thank you for writing this Denise & thank you for sharing this with me Kim!
The truth behind the complaints is finally revealed, that’s what I need to hear, what a wonderful lesson in self love.
Get’s me thinking about what nice thing I am going to do for myself today! Yoga class, maybe buy myself some flowers?