Public Service Announcement: You Matter!

Let's face it, in todays society, we move at such a rapid pace that it's almost impossible to keep up.

Yet that doesn't seem to slow anybody down.

The truth is we're the most out of shape, most depressed, most overworked that we've ever been as human beings. Yet we have the most advanced science, medical advice, technology and information at our finger tips that all tell us we NEED to slow down!

Even still, we burn ourselves out like we're cats with nine lives.

I don't sit here pretending it's easy because it isn't. We have kids, jobs, spouses, friends, appointments, and so many other obligations pulling us in every direction, constantly.

The bad news is that those things won't stop needing us on their own. The good news is we can make them stop by putting ourselves first.

It's not easy. It's not even an easy thing to say….putting ourselves first. It sounds selfish and for the first little while, it may feel selfish but once you understand how vital it is to your physical and mental health, it doesn't seem so selfish.

The best analogy I can think of is the oxygen mask theory. Like they tell you on any flight, you need to put your oxygen mask on first before you help anyone else because if you pass out, you won't be good to anyone.

We need to take time to fill our own tanks, physically, mentally and spiritually. If that means saying no to certain obligations, then that is what we must do. Take time for you. Go for a walk, read a book, take a bath, meditate, curl up and watch a movie, go to bed an hour early...whatever it is that you need to help rejuvenate yourself, do it.

It takes discipline. It takes learning the word no. It takes being able to say the word no without feeling guilty for doing it. Like anything else, it takes practice. It may also take a little getting used to for those loved ones around you who perhaps are used to you being so readily available 24/7.

Learn to fill your own cup and you'll be able to fill someone else's cup that much more.