Hey friend,

Remember to take care of yourself.

I know, I know. Easier said than done, right?

It is so easy to get sucked into the busy cycle of life; running kids here and there, rushing to work, keeping up with responsibilities, trying to be a good mom, wife, daughter, friend, employee…the list goes on and on.

And where do we so easily find ourselves on that list?

Last.

I am so guilty of doing everything else and forgetting to prioritize myself along the way.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There has to be a balance. Otherwise, we may end up like Emily Gilmore… ya know, a little more selfish than anyone truly wants to be. (I told you all from the beginning that Gilmore Girls references would be sprinkled in around here!)

But I think this is where we get it wrong so many times. We have allowed ourselves to believe that taking care of ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually, is selfish.

It isn’t.

Selfishness is only caring about yourself.

Self-care is making sure you are cared for so you can continue to adequately care for others.

There is a difference.

We were not created to be continuously poured out while everyone around us is constantly being filled and we slowly become empty. We were made to be like fountains, pouring out while also being filled up. But it is up to us to prioritize the filling portion of the cycle.

You need it.

Your family needs it.

Your friends need it.

And your entire circle of impact needs it.

Because you cannot pour from an empty cup forever. Eventually, something has to give.

So, let’s do a quick check-in with ourselves.

Take a moment and really think about these questions:

• How am I feeling emotionally right now?
• Have I been feeling more stressed, anxious, or low than usual?
• How is my body feeling today—tense, tired, energized, or worn down?
• Have I been getting enough sleep?
• Am I eating and drinking in a way that supports my body?
• Am I giving myself permission to rest when I need it?
• What is one small thing I can do today that would make me feel a little better?
• When was the last time I did something simply because it brought me joy?

Now, how do you feel about your answers?

Do you feel like you could benefit from a little more balance in your life?

Maybe the answer is yes. And if it is, I want you to know that you are not alone.

I have realized that if I want to be the absolute best mom, wife, and friend that I can be, I have to take care of myself, too.

Recently, I have found myself stuck. I stopped prioritizing myself, and in return, I became more anxious, more overwhelmed, more tired, more sluggish, and honestly, just not my best. I knew something had to change. So, I decided it was time to get back to taking care of myself.

I started doing my nails again, which has been an instant mood boost. I am trying to eat healthier and set goals for my health and my future. I am making an effort to be more intentional about the things that make me feel good and bring more joy in my life.

And most importantly, I am carving out time for God.

Because that is the most important part of all.

I can try to fill myself with all the self-care routines, hobbies, goals, and things that make me happy, but ultimately, only God can truly fill the places in me that the world cannot.

Again, we are going for a more balanced life.

So, friend, let this be your reminder:

You are important, too.

You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to take care of yourself.
You are allowed to do something that makes you happy.
You are allowed to prioritize your mental and physical health.
You are allowed to spend alone time with God.
And you are allowed to treat yourself like you are royalty.

Because you are. 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9

Taking care of yourself doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you human. And sometimes, taking care of yourself is exactly what you need to do so you can continue being the person God has called you to be.

So let’s make a commitment to ourselves today.

Let’s do it together.

And friend, I am so glad you are here.