Although it’s easy to forget to pay attention to ourselves, not doing so can be a potential killer. Marie, a young woman whom I love, is a single mother with two little girls, one biological and one adopted from overseas. Between a stressful fulltime job that includes the expense and worry of work-related travel and her deep love of and commitment to parenting the girls and supporting their differing emotional needs, Marie fell into the habit of sticking self-care on the back burner.
Even after months of insomnia and several anxiety attacks, Marie continued to put her own needs after those of her children and her work. Luckily, the intense chest pains and inability to breathe that eventually sent her to the Emergency Room were not a heart attack. Actually, the ER visit was a blessing, because Marie made the commitment to make herself a priority. And she has been true to her promise since then.
A former athlete, Marie has returned to running and other forms of exercise that promote her physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She no longer indulges in stress eating but consciously makes a choice for health before eating. After the first two weeks of her self-care commitment, Marie said, “The first week was tough, but I no longer want to make poor choices, and I already love me more!” She’s become much more aware of her body’s warning signs. Now when she feels her heart flutter, she takes an emotional and mental step back, breathes, and reminds herself of what’s truly important to her. By listening to and lovingly responding to her body, the fluttering in her heart has never again escalated.
After congratulating Marie, I asked, “What helps you the most in keeping your commitment to yourself?” Without hesitation, she replied, “Paying attention.”
PRACTICE...
• Take a few minutes to pay attention to the way your body feels.
• Without judgment, breathe deeply into any troublesome area.
• As you support the uncomfortable areas of your body with breath, ask them what they need from you. Responses may be so subtle that it’s necessary to engage your intuition to discern what your body wants and needs.
THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY...
• Reaffirm your intention to pay attention to your body and take care of its needs.
You deserve to make yourself a priority.
