Choosing to Take Care of Yourself First

Take care of yourself first. It’s a phrase that’s bantered around a lot in our American culture. It is often related to something decadent and makes me think of selfish things. But today I came to think of that phrase a little differently.

I had a very busy day, and am actually in a very busy time with my businesses. I’ve been working hard and have had to pull out a few of my better time management techniques to keep my life in any semblance of balance ,and to make sure I get to spend time with my family. I feel really good about what’s happening all around so I hadn’t noticed the stress sneak up on me. My husband, however, did notice it since it all got directed at him today.

After he very quietly rescinded his invitation to play cards, and I realized I felt relief, I knew I was out of whack. So I decided to take some time out for myself. In spite of the fact that I had been locked up in my office all day, not even coming down for lunch, I decided to leave my family and go take a relaxing soak in the tub. I got my bath salts, my candle and a little Chicken Soup book and headed for the tub.

While I was baking myself I focused on my feelings and my stress, faced it and let it all go. In 30 minutes I was out in the land of the living and had turned into someone my family would actually like to be around again. What I realized is that taking care of yourself first gives you the ability to take care of someone else. I was trying to take care of my husband by spending time with him and I am quite certain he didn’t feel very good about it. What I really needed was a little down time, some time to think and to release. Now I am at peace and I can actually take care of someone else.

Maybe choosing to take care of yourself first isn’t so selfish or decadent after all.