Member Articles

 

Yes, it was and is me, when I allow myself to get off-balance and out of synch. When I lose sleep or forget to take care of myself, I no longer address issues with a holistic approach. Instead of being a creative problem solver, I am like a crazed carpenter with only a hammer in my tool box. I make a lot of dents!

 

If I take care of myself, I can have a very successful conversation about chicken nuggets. I can weigh myself and accept the results as a challenge. I can get the kids into the car with shoes on and tummies full. I can even find a good time to break the babysitter news. When I have all the tools at my disposal, I’m pretty darn good at dealing with life’s little issues. That is me. Is it you too?

1.) Identify a menu of self-care items that create balance for you. Maybe you like to take a walk, go to the beach, read the paper with a cup of tea, or take a bath. You are not doing anyone a favor by skipping your self-care. Put it in your calendar and consider it as important as grocery shopping, calling the plumber and fixing your daughter’s Halloween costume.

2.) Make a list of five-minute fixes you can do for yourself in an emergency. Go to the bathroom and lock the door, call your best friend, read a tabloid magazine or eat a gooey chocolate.

3.) Notice what you do when you are not in balance and gently help yourself to stop the behavior. When I am out of synch, I have a tendency to put my foot in my mouth. When I notice myself getting out of balance, I try to stop talking. How do I know when that is? Because I hear myself asking “Is it me?” I’m afraid so.