5 WAYS TO "SAY YES TO YOU"

I don’t feel like it. I am too tired to set my doctor’s appointment. I was rushing this morning so I forgot to take my medicine. I work so much that I really don’t have time to exercise. Water doesn’t taste good, so I’ll drink juice today. My financial obligations are too great, so I’ll focus on my business another time. I have a child, so I’ll worry about myself later.

EXCUSE AFTER EXCUSE AFTER EXCUSE!

Why do we come up with so many reasons to NOT take care of ourselves? We place ourselves on the back burner while pushing everyone and everything else to the front eye. Now caring for, uplifting, and supporting others is very admirable. I am a mother, daughter, friend, and registered nurse...so I know the feeling of joy received in these roles. However I also know the frustration, stress, and overwhelm that can be experienced. I know how easy it is to become lost in your circumstances or daily duties. We set at sea our own wants and walk away from our needs. Providing for others or just “trying to survive” becomes our sole reason or way of existing. But I want you to think about something. How does ANY of your life work without you?

The definition of selfish (dictionary.com) states being devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, welfare, etc. regardless of others. We were taught that being selfish is a bad quality, but I possess a differing thought. I do not believe in purposely hurting another individual or not sharing when you have something to give. I will give my last to help someone out in the event that my well being is not jeopardized in the process. I was once at a point where I was driving myself into the ground because I did not know how to use the word NO. I felt like a “bad person” if I couldn’t show up for EVERYONE. We must learn, however, that our character is not diminished because we decide to check out of the world and check in to ourselves. We can’t give continuously until we are depleted mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally. What good will we be to anyone at that point?

There are 5 things that I’ve been exercising in order to SAY YES TO ME! Try them with me!

1. Accept that it is okay to put yourself first.

Don’t say I’ll do it if or when something happens or changes. Do it NOW! No excuses. You are worthy. You are worth it. You deserve.

2. Don’t be concerned with what others think about it.

We all have to take a step back and refocus our minds and energy at some point in our lives. Everyone won’t understand ALL of the decisions that you make, and that’s alright. But you don’t want to stand stagnant while trying to please others. You add to the quality of your future by bettering yourself. A person who is for you will appreciate that.

3. Don’t worry, Trust God.

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” ~ Psalm 46:5 KJV God dwells within you, you can’t be destroyed. There is greatness within you that the enemy does not want to be released. But you cannot fail with God on your side. You can focus on yourself NOW. Don't spend time worrying about money because your bills will get paid. Have faith in the Lord. Take your medicine because your health matters. Let go of whoever is hurting you because your mind matters. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

4. Make a list.

I’ve recently started to write down areas where I want to grow in my life, big or small. I first separate them into sections, i.e. Health, Business, and Finance. Then I write sub sections on how to actually reach the goals listed. Writing it down gets it out of your mind, allowing you to see where work needs to be done. Writing it down makes it real.

5. Get to work.

Now start crossing things off of that list! It will not be easy to focus on yourself when you’ve been in a state of neglect for so long. The word of God helps us with this. "The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.” Isaiah‬ ‭58:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ It may get tough, but never give up! Say yes to who God has called you to be. SAY YES TO TO YOU!