When important things come up and get added to your ‘have to’ list, what do you do?

“ME” MondayTM 2-17-2020

I’m curious, do you know anyone who doesn’t have a jammed packed schedule these days?

When important things come up and get added to your ‘have to’ list, what do you do?

For years, when things came up in addition to work, family and daily chores, I got everything done each day. Superhero? Not at all. In order to get everything done, I added hours to my day by cutting my sleep hours.

Needless to say, I was exhausted, lethargic, and just darn cranky! The more things that got added to my ‘have to’ list, the more nights I didn’t sleep, the more pots of coffee I drank, the more I grabbed unhealthy, prepared foods that had more chemicals in them than nutrition, and I became an emotionally and physically, unhappy person. My attitude became very negative and less productive than I could have been. I knew things had to change. My family was suffering. I was suffering!

Long ago, I decided to find the tools I needed to improve my perspective and attitude. When my attitude changed, so did the direction of my lifestyle. I discovered that self-disregard was toxic and the only way to take care of others was to take care of myself. The lesson I learned and my passion to help others have their own self-discovery is the inspiration behind the creation of “ME” MondayTM. When I hear the inspiring stories of those I meet along the way, I try to share their stories, as well.

Recently, I became acquainted with a gentleman whose story inspired me so much, I asked for permission to share it with my “ME” MondayTM readers.

This new friend, is a veteran, married, working multiple jobs, taking courses to get his doctorate degree, while dealing with several health conditions which sometimes impair his ability to function. My first reaction was WOW! How can anyone juggle all of that!?

He inspired me as he shared his amazing personal vision and gave me permission to share the story in this post. His personal wellness vision is to have a successful career, which defined by him, means balancing the work he does (more than one job), providing quality time and financial security for his family, and taking complete care of his health, all in equal parts. During our talk, I asked him if he would share something positive that he experienced that day with me. His answer was simple and so unexpected. He described how amazing he felt to wake up that morning, jump into a hot shower, and embrace the warmth of the water that relaxed his entire mind and body. When he was done in the shower, he continued to nourish himself by massaging his muscles and skin with a soothing lotion. This is one of the ways he takes care of his emotional and physical health since certain health conditions sometimes cause him disabling pain. This simple act gave him positive energy, motivation, and direction to begin his day!

If it sounds impossible to accomplish this balance, I no longer believe it is. He shared that he maintains this balance because he believes that doing all of these things nourishes all parts of him that need to be nourished; therefore, it’s simple. I was so touched. It confirmed my belief that choice is the most powerful, energizing, motivating option we have no matter what. His attitude definitely determines his direction! An example worth following!

Thank you, my very special new friend.

That said, it is “ME” MondayTM, so I invite you to plan some time to do something special for yourself, no matter how small. Nourish all your parts. It will improve your attitude and provide the direction you want to be the best version of yourself that you want to be.

Please share something special you do for yourself!

Have you met the best version of yourself yet? Who would you see?

This is your now!

Lynn Lessell CHC, CLC, TCM

The Identity Coach

Certified in Health & Life Transformation