I recently read a story of a colleague who lost his 41 year old son because, although he didn't feel well, he refused to visit his doctor. This was an unnecessary loss from an undiagnosed - and quite serious - medical condition that could have been easily corrected and managed once identified. Whether you are looking for a loving relationship or if you are already in one, the best thing you can do for the relationship as well as for your friends, your employer, and your family, is to take care of yourself.
And now his family - his wife and child - as well as all who knew him are trying to adjust to life without his presence. Unfortunately, this is a common story. You know something is wrong but for whatever reason, you resist doing what in your heart you know you need to do. It doesn't have to be about your health. It can show up in a myriad of ways when we choose to ignore our inner voice. Any time you feel angry or upset but choose to stuff it rather than acknowledge it and face it, you are not honoring yourself; you are not taking care of yourself.
The greatest gift you can give to mankind - and to yourself - is to learn to honor yourself.
You are the most important person in your life.
Why is it so difficult to take care of yourself?
· You struggle accepting that something could be wrong with you. It shouldn't happen; you should always be healthy.
· You hope it will go away.
· You're scared of having to deal with something unknown, something new.
· You live in denial, dancing around the "elephant in the room" trying to escape and avoid rather than face reality.
· You don't let people care about you when they ask you to seek medical attention.
· You have difficulty and feel guilty when calling out of work when you are clearly ill and need to be home.
· You haven't seen a doctor in years, haven't had blood work or vaccines.
· You hate the idea of lab coats and blood and needles... and any other excuse you can come up with.
Whatever your reason, whatever story you tell yourself, the adult thing to do is to take care of yourself first before you can take care of others.
Without you, you have nothing. If you cease to exist or if you can no longer care for yourself, then you cannot enjoy being with your family, friends, kids, work...
Do Unto Yourself as You Do Unto Others.
Caring for yourself is quite simple. It means getting in a habit of caring about your physical, emotional, and mental well being. Small steps taken regularly add up. Here are three simple steps to get started:
1) Get into integrity. Take responsibility for yourself, your happiness, your body, your current state of affairs. Stop rationalizing your life through your "story," playing into your own drama, or living in denial and avoidance. Become proactive rather than reactive. Face your reality - the good and the challenging. If you need help, call me. That's what coaches are for, helping you deal with the tough stuff.
2) Visit your doctor once a year. If you have never gone or haven't been to one in years, schedule your appointment right now for as soon as possible. Don't delay! Visit your dentist twice a year. You know what they say: Ignore your teeth and they'll go away.
3) Be good to yourself. Treat yourself and your body with loving-kindness and respect. After all, you can only experience YOUR life, no one elses. You are responsible for the quality of your life experience. No one else can do it for you.
To be in a relationship, I want for you to take care of you for me, and in turn, I will be responsible and take care of me for you. That way together, we enjoy the best of each other.
Want a free coaching session? Contact me at Julie@NurturingYourSuccess.com to schedule 30-minutes this week!
Your partner for success,
Coach Julie ~ Nurturing Your Success
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