Tulipgirl6's Journal, 07 December 2013

Congratulations on joining the gym for one but most of all for saying it's time for me! I'm joining in with you & I'm saying "IT'S TIME FOR ME!" I will still be here for others, but more for myself than I have ever been before! Thank you! You have my love & support! YOU GO GIRL, WE GOT THIS :) 

Thank you!  

I think as women it is common for us to put others and their needs before our own. I think we even feel guilty about putting ourselves up there in the top ten, but it is impossible to help others if we are running on empty. Its great that you are finally saying ENOUGH, I'M IMPORTANT TOO! Keep feeling good about yourself because those positive feelings play forward into the lives of those around you. 

thanks Hoffner! I just hope I can make time for myself! At least for this one thing!  

Here's a hug from the UK. Totally agree with Hoffner. There's a reason they say to put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. You can't help them properly if you don't look after yourself first. Don't feel guilty for making time for yourself - you need to recharge and regroup in whatever way you choose when you get a chance. At one time I got so physically and mentally exhausted that I literally only saw in black and white and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. With age comes wisdom and I learned to put myself more in the forefront by letting go of unimportant things and trying to relax over things I have no control over. It took time and practice but it was really worthwhile; it did have an effect for the better on my life and subsequently on the lives of those around me. Go for it.  

I'm so happy to learn that you are giving to you first. Agreed on the oxygen mask metaphor, too. At first it seems (in my experience) a little selfish and I do it with great defiance. Lately, though, I try to inject as much love and generosity for my self-care actions as I do for "other-care" actions. When I can do that, I feel more secure and happier when I actually do give to others. I'm 100% sure it's a different story when speaking of one's own offspring, but perhaps there is something in this for you. There was definitely a lot in your journal for me and I thank you for sharing.  

Thank you for your support everyone!  

I agree completely with the comments here. I have always put others above myself. I don't buy myself new things when I need them. I know I can do without. However, I am the first one to jump to someone else's rescue. It's funny too. I was thinking about how often I do for others rather than doing for myself the other day when I was Christmas shopping. I bought something for my sister in laws that I would love to have. Did I buy an extra one for me? Nope. I knew that would take away from the money I can spend on the rest of my family for Christmas. I notice this even when it comes to food. I feel guilty picking where we eat each night just because I'm dieting. So I always allow my boyfriend to choose. My thought process is why should he suffer because I am trying to make changes? However, the places he chooses are not always good for me. I wish I was as strong as you are and had the ability to say for once it's time to focus on myself.