You’re Worth It

“It’s not that important” or “it doesn’t matter.” Sound familiar? Is this what you say when you break a promise to yourself to do something that is good for you? Perhaps your goal is losing a few pounds, exercising regularly, journaling, eating fewer processed foods or meditating on a regular basis. Whatever you choose, you can achieve it.

Would you break a promise to a friend that easily? You may, but not if you really care about them. Do you not care about youself? Are you not worth the work it takes to achieve the goal of becoming healthier and more in balance physically and mentally? You are worthy of this and much more. Put yourself first and make the effort that will benefit you, perhaps even in ways that may surprise you.

Make a list of goals you’d like to achieve. Choose a simple one and work on it one day at a time for at least a month until it becomes a habit. At the same time, make a list of pros and cons. How will this enrich your life? Better health? More peaceful outlook? Will you feel better about yourself? Have more energy or creativity? Flip the coin and look at the alternatives if you don’t make this a part of your life.

Before you know it, one step at a time and one day at a time will get you to your goal. Once this goal is solidly a habit, take a short break and then move on to your next choice. Always remember that you deserve to be the best you can be for yourself as well as for your loved ones.

Check out my novella, Where the Heart Goes, for a timeless message of love and resilience in the Old West.

No More “Shoulds”

Madeira Beach, Florida
photo by Sherri Sorbello

 

What would your life be like if you could remove the spoken words or thoughts in your head that begin with “I should?” Sound good? Of course, we all have responsibilities that we absolutely have to honor, but unless it’s a matter of life or death, perhaps we can live our lives in a way that includes more of the things we want to do than we’ve been allowing.

Contrary to what many of us have been taught, it’s okay to put your own needs before others. Your  body, mind and spirit need to be nurtured and attended to first so you will have the energy and desire to assist others. It’s like they tell you on an airplane: put the oxygen mask on yourself before putting one on your child. Allow yourself the time for that nap, exercise workout, meditation session or on-line class.

Sometimes, what we think we should do, doesn’t really need to be done. If you’re a perfectionist like I am, you may find that you’re being too hard on yourself and wasting time on activities that really don’t matter. As I’ve gotten older I’ve noticed that some things, like balancing my checkbook to the exact penny, are just not worth my time.

Some of your “shoulds” may simply be habits, such as always doing the family laundry on Mondays and Fridays. Maybe you’d rather go to the beach on a Monday and you are feeling guilty that you won’t be home doing laundry.  Now really, which do you want to be doing? You’ll be a happier person if you allow yourself to become more flexible with your chores.

Other times, that little voice in your head is just an outgrown memory tape of things your parents said to you years ago. Is it still wise advice or just a reflection of their values and prejudices that hold no meaning for you at this place and time in your life? Be selective and listen only to what makes sense to you now.

When the next “I should” vs. “I want” dilemma comes up, try choosing “I want.” You will find that if you do this more often, you will generate more positive energy in your life and your world will become a happier place for you and those around you.