 Do
you find you are so busy taking care of everyone’s
needs you can’t catch your breath?
Do you feel responsible for so much at work and
home that you don’t think you’ll ever
be able to come up for air, much less pause and
connect to Spirit?
I had that harsh “knock
you to your knees” kind of revelation yesterday.
Technological glitches in the computer forced
me to become deeply familiar with the voice of
Eric, my telephone tech support guy, for far too
long. Meetings were postponed and phone calls
re-scheduled. Meanwhile, my kids had a half day
of school and the driving marathon began—orthodontist,
piano lesson, a few art items for the typical
“all about you” poster for 7th grade
English. You know the scenario. My
frustration mounted as it became clear that there
was no way I would be able to accomplish what
I had hoped by day’s end. After dinner,
with an extra place set at the last minute for
a 14 year old pal, I was back in the car taking
the girls to a spiritual group for kids.
Drop off complete, car finally quiet, I realized
my own spirit was definitely sagging. I
pulled into our local ice cream shop and ordered
my all time favorite peppermint ice cream with
hot fudge sauce. I took it back to the car
and simply enjoyed that sundae as I’ve never
enjoyed one before – in the quiet of the
night, in my dark car, on a dark street, my family
safe, and my taste buds alive. That’s all
it took, me indulging me, to reclaim myself.
While I’m not suggesting
we need sugary treats to revitalize, that sundae
sure helped me last night. Tonight, it may
be a mini meditation or a moon lit walk with the
dog.
The following are simple
ideas for feeling better – now!
It doesn’t take a trip
to Canyon Ranch Spa or an esoteric revelation
to feel better. It simply takes a little
imagination, the intention to care for yourself,
and a willingness to actually take the time to
do so. When you feel cared for, your kids
enjoy the happy repercussions.
Make taking care of yourself a priority this week
by choosing one of the actions below and following
through.
*Ditch the guilt that wears you
down. Guilt is only good when we put it to use
to make positive changes in our lives. If you
feel guilty about something that you said to someone,
call
them and apologize. If you feel like a bad
Mom for putting your child in day care, do the
research for the best possible day care situation
or take action to rearrange your work schedule
or brainstorm a job share with a coworker.
*Dive into some soulful reading. Turn down
the volume of your racing thoughts and pick up
an inspirational book or a great piece of fiction.
I love “Peace Like a River” by Leif
Enger and “The Secret Life of Bees”
by Sue Monk Kidd. Both stories are full of spiritual
significance, rich characters, and swiftly
moving plot lines.
*Use the CD player on your computer
or keep a tape or CD player in your office and
stock up on music that sets a gentle tempo to
your day. “Come Away With Me”
by Norah Jones is a favorite of mine these days.
*Call that friend who makes you
laugh until you cry. A huge belly laugh
can zap you right into bliss.
*Refresh and revitalize by giving
yourself the gift of 15 minutes of creative think-time.
Yup, just you, a notebook, and a good pen.
You might grab this time while waiting to pick
up a child or on your lunch hour. Sink into
the solitude and allow the ideas to fill
the page. You might explore by writing your response
to the following questions: How do I feel?
What do I need? If I could, I would…………………
!
*Plan a trip. Even if you
don’t have a date in mind or savings in
the bank, pretend you are traveling to the destination
of your dreams. When you need a dose of
“feel good balm,” get out your trip
folder and add tidbits from your research on the
internet or simply look at what you’ve gathered
and visualize yourself there.
*Fill a pitcher with purified
water and lemons and allow yourself to pause throughout
the day to take in the healing liquid. You will
quench more than just your thirst.
*Dig in the garden. For
some parents, taking care of one more living thing
sends them over the edge. For others, getting
their hands in the dirt is an immediate mood lifter.
*Call your spiritual mentor.
Don’t have one? Call a prayer hotline
and allow the person who lovingly answers the
phones to be with you for a moment in complete
focused prayer. Not only will you feel better,
but you will open your armor a crack for miracles
to slip right in. One organization that
is there to support you through prayer is Silent
Unity. Prayer is for anyone who requests it, whatever
denomination, creed, or location in the world.
Each prayer requested is held within the daily
vigil for 30 days. Call: 816-969-2000. |
