Stop Apologizing for "Me Time" : Take Time for You
I come from a long line of "doers," the kind of people who stay busy, and say "yes" to every given opportunity to help someone else. So for me, keeping a busy schedule of work, volunteering, and dates with friends have always filled my calendar.
I can remember every few months in middle school, I would call home because "I just didn't feel good." My mom would come pick me up, take me to get some lunch, and I would go home and get a much needed nap. It was a mental health day, before I even knew what that meant. My schedule of dance, sports, church activities, and school work would burn me out to the point my body would physically make me "hit a wall."
This isn't a post about clearing your calendar, or telling you to stop being so active because that would be hypocritical. The Lord knows I will, most likely, never know a simple life where my schedule lays empty and I am stricken with no obligations. However, I am telling you it's okay to call a "time out," and take care of yourself.
As women, we often feel the natural urge to take care of those around us. Make sure everyone has what they need, lend a helping hand, and put others first. Therefore, when we decide to take a few hours for ourselves, "me time," to take a bubble bath, get a pedicure, or simply enjoy a cup a coffee in peace; we feel the need to ask permission, apologize, and left feeling guilty for putting ourselves first.
I heard somewhere (probably from my mom or Oprah), "that if you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of anyone else," and what a truth that is. Even for the most extroverted personality, a demanding schedule full of events, obligations, and peoplecan drain us; leaving us depleted of energy, motivation, and a less than joyful spirit.
With that being said, you know that you can't pour from an empty cup, so stop apologizing to do what you need to do fill your cup back up. Even if it means rescheduling a lunch date, hiring a babysitter just so you can get massage in peace, or leaving a load of laundry in the dryer an extra hour (or three).
I think I am about as extroverted as they come, but I still need quietness and alone-time to recharge and find focus again. This "me time," can feel like a sacrifice of time when I should be working, however, I have found that taking a little "mental break," can make the time I do work more productive and creative. I have also found that by loving my self a little more, I love those around me even better.
So today, I challenge you to take a little "me time." Even if its just a few minutes to lower your heart rate, make a list of what you are grateful for, and just listen to what God can whisper in that little time. It might just be the little break you need to make it through one more work day this week, the end of a crazy school year, or your to-do list.
You deserve. You don't need to apologize, and if your waiting for mission, here it is:
“Sister, you deserve to feel joyful, energized, and loved. So I dare you to take a moment for yourself; to recharge, refocus, and refuel your spirit. You are worth it. I promise.”
oxox,
Kendall Mariah