The Most Important Person

Are you feeling nourished? For so many of us, the answer might be, “Are you crazy? I don’t have time for that.” We get busy taking care of those around us, at home or at work, forgetting to fill ourselves up.

But honestly, how many times have we been told we have to put our own oxygen mask on first, then tend to those around us?

We can’t give what we don’t have. Whether it’s our attention, love, care, whatever. We need to be closer to full on the nourished needle than to empty.

Self-care is nourishment. Remembering, and accepting, that you’re as important, if not more so, than anyone around you can be a challenge. We tend to think we need to go all out and be everything to everybody. But it’s not possible and especially not when you’re running on fumes.

When we’re younger we have our children to tend to. When we’re older we have our parents or siblings who may depend on us. But it can’t be a 24/7 thing. We have to have boundaries, we have to know when to say “time out – I need to take some time for myself.”

Maybe, we need a mind-set readjustment.

What fills you? What will take your needle and move it from empty to full? Being in the company of other women? Taking some time to be near water or nature? Sitting in meditation? Conscious centering and breathing? Reading a book? Laughing? What is it that fills you?

I encourage you to take some time and think about it. If you’re below three-quarters on your nourishment meter, how can you replenish yourself?

Be the most important person in your world. It’s not being greedy, narcissistic, or self-centered. When you take time to nourish yourself, you’re letting those around you know that taking care of yourself first means you can give them the best you possible.