I am like most of you....I wear many hats. I am a daughter and a sister...biologically and spiritually. I am a wife, a mother and a grandmother. I am intermittently a friend, lover, playmate, accountant, chef, mystery shopper, housekeeper, landscaper, home interior designer & repairman, counselor, organizer, & veterinarian. My life, for years, has been full, full, full of figuring and planning and working out details so that everyone in it has what they need, when they need it,.... gets where they need to go...on time...and is generally well loved and cared for. Its what we women do...often at our own expense. You know its true, ladies!So has been the case for me. Over these many years that I have been wearing so many hats I must confess that my own needs, wants, and whatevers, have fallen perilously close to the bottom of the list in priority.
WELL....
2010 is the year that all ends...or at least takes a break.
I made a decision in 2009 that it was high time I took care of me...my hubby has been pushing it for years so he is my biggest cheerleader...here's what I'm doing about it.
1. Surgery on my toe....I will no longer put up with daily pain and ugly shoes!2. Join the gym.... I refuse to feel and move like a 70 yr old when I can feel, move, AND look like a 35 yr old! 1 month in and so far its really fun and I'm feeling good!
3. Eat well ..... I have been improving in this area over the last 5 yrs since my hubby has been ill so I will continue eating moderate serving of food in a diet that includes lots of fresh veggies and fruit...more organics, more natural stuff in everything..less processed, less fast food (no longer tastes good anyway :))
4. Cut my caffeine intake and up my water intake....this decision was incorporated in the fall of '09 and I am happy to announce that I have reduced my soda intake to 1-12 oz can per day
and upped my water intake to approx 64+ oz per day..about 1/2 a gallon. (really helps my skin)5. Remove as much artificial sweeteners as possible from my diet.....I have switched over to Stevia use in all my drinks; soda, tea and coffee...huge for me. I have done this for about 4 months now.
6. Include good vitimins, calcium, probiotis and other supplements I feel are important in my daily routine.
7. Deal with my dental and oral health ( today with surgery, next a bridge)
8. Eye exam and new contact lenses AND new glasses that mirror my new prescription.
9. Sleep more! (with lower caffeine intake this is mandatory...and happening regularly since I can't hold my eyes open after 10pm)
10. Exercise my brain. I have consciously returned to my love of reading, making appointments with myself to relax and spend time on the weekend reading novels....also forcing my self to memorize and remember details...(I had been letting those kinds of things slide over the last few years)
11. Focus some loving time and thought on my husband....not illness related! Him and me...I want to stay in love forever! 12. Find Creative outlets....I have made time for scrapbooking and begun a quilting project with my mom and I am actively researching some avenues for singing in the area. My mom and I are having a blast doing something together we have never done before, its awesome! The singing thing may not happen this spring or even this year but I am working toward it. I refuse to lose my voice because of lack of opportunity, even if I have to take voice lessons again, and I love public performance too much to never do it again!
13.... and last but not least... Nurture my spirit, ...by incorporating small bits of quiet Time, Reading and Meditation...daily... and participating in More conversation with others about His Life.... a natural part of my life for years, this area has fallen dormant over the past few years but I am making a conscious effort to not allow that to happen. He IS my Life and I intend to live Him more fully every day, breathing in His goodness and mercy that is surely following me every step of my way.
WOW! Just writing all that down makes me pretty proud of myself. I knew I had made a 360 degree turn in my life but seeing it in black and white...well it really is a LOT of stuff! I must say...I ROCK! :)
I challenge you to take stock of your life and see if you are letting some important things fall by the way side..then take a good look at the big picture and say with all your heart "I'm worth the effort!" I did and I am SO glad!
Here's to "The Year of ME!"
10 comments:
Wow, Cheryl,
you already rock.
Looking so strong, smiling and happy by the fireplace.
The best thing is you taking responsibility for your own life.
Not putting your self on hold.
That will benefit all those around you too.
I'm especially interested in the singing project.
That's far from my sphere, but oh, so huge.
Perhaps we can watch you on YouTube?
From Felisol
Way to go Cheryl! Writing out your 'me' goals in black and white ... and posting them on your blog will be a good way to remind yourself to make some time to nurture the 'you' that has been taking care of 'them' for so long. If I could attain half of the goals you have listed ... I'd be restfully restored. Really ... Felisol has something with the YouTube idea:)
dear jada gigi..ever since yesterday when i read your comment over at felisol's, i have felt so bad..i haven't forgotten you...it just seems that there is not enough hours in the day to visit everyone and that is to my shame!
you are always leaving me nice comments..i could at least come over here!
i thought that you looked good but if you feel you need everything on this list, maybe i will look more into it too!
felisol has been doing these things for a long time and i have to admit that she looks great!
how come though all of the delicious fattening foods are so good and the veggies and porridge and such are so hard to take?
i think that i already saw this picture of you in the pretty black dress.
felisol is right!
you already DO rock and in my opinion, there is very little that you have to change!
three cheers for you tube!
we will be standing in line to watch and listen to cheryl the singing jada gigi!
love you!...love terry
Sounds like you are now only making some new choices but going to be able to enjoy them too! I am so proud of you.
No matter what choices we make, as long as we women take some time for ourselves, then we can give back. We can't give and give and give and never replentish ourselves. Hope you find what works for you and that is all comes together. You Rock my friend!
Good for you Cheryl! Taking care of yourself only benefits your body, mind and spirit...which benefits every one who loves you!
I too have finally taken care of my foot, now I need to scoot to the dentist, and get going on some other issues.
You're an inspiration..and a beauty!
March is Women's Month here in the tropics. Not sure, if the same where you are. Nevertheless, you couldn't have picked a more appropriate moment to list your self renewal goals. Good going and keep strong in your commitment to these goals listed here.
You do rock!!!! My Me journey has been going on for five years now...I need to concentrate on the eating healthy part and exercise part now that the "mental health" part is purrfect! :)
GOOD FOR YOU and good FOR you! As women we work so hard and take care of everyone else! It's time we do for ourselves a bit b/c we are worth it! I think taking inventory is a vital and ongoing process if we are to be healthy, happy and productive! YOU GO GIRL!
That really is awesome, Cheryl. I can't wait to hear how the year changes you, your marriage, and your relationship with God. Keep us posted!
I tell you this post so spoke to my heart. That's one of the reasons I took a break from blogging. I needed to get my life on track. We have been so busy this year, but Praise Him it has been a year without health issues. Thank you for your sweet heart. Hopefully I will be posting very soon. Thanks for all your notes/mail. Blessings on your journey.
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