If you are like me, you are really good at showing up for your family, showing up for your job, and showing up for your friends. All of that is wonderful! But if you are also like me, you had to start to really think about and learn how to show up for yourself.
I vividly remember one day that my mom was visiting when my children were young. The three of them were under the age of six at that time. My mom looked at me and told me, ” You are a great mom, your home is beautiful, you are making life wonderful for everyone around you, but do not to forget about you. Don’t forget about you.” It was a gentle nudge to start taking better care of myself when all of my energy was going into others.
Oh the wisdom of our mothers! My mom could see what I could not. I was so wrapped up in being a great mom, wife, friend, hostess and all that – but, I was not putting any energy into taking care of myself.
Now it might sound like showing up for yourself is all about self-care, which I do believe is very important, but showing up for yourself is so much more. Showing up for yourself is about planning and putting energy into being the person that you want to be. It is about making a commitment to yourself.
With so many external obligations on your plate, it’s easy to lose sight of the commitments you need to make to yourself. Let today be the day that you stop and think about what a satisfying life means to you. Think about how you can show up for yourself, because it’s time to show up for yourself.
If you ask people what they worry about and think about the most – the top three answers always focus on health, money, and relationships. OK, so there’s no surprise there! Let’s start with those concerns. Here is a list of basic promises and commitments that you can make to yourself to better those areas of your life. Look over the list and choose promises that you are willing to make to yourself.
It’s Time to Show Up for Yourself
Promises to make to show up for yourself for better health:
Love your body. Appreciate your body for all that it does for you. Even if you want to lose or gain some pounds, you can feel good about your appearance and abilities.
Reduce stress. Chronic stress can take a toll on your body and your mind. Find relaxation practices that work for you, like taking a warm bath before bed or meditating each morning.
Eat nutritious foods. Treat your body to a balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, and other whole foods. Cut down on sugar and replace unhealthy fats like margarine and beef fat with healthier sources like olive oil and salmon.
Exercise regularly. Incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine and work out at least 3 times a week. Do floor exercises during TV commercials. Get outside and take a walk.
Sleep well. Sleep helps your body and mind to stay in top condition. Go to bed and wake up on a consistent schedule. If you have trouble falling asleep, create bedtime rituals like drinking herbal tea or listening to gentle music.
Promises to make to show up for yourself for better finances:
Stick to your budget. Put your finances in order by living within your budget. If you’re unsure about how to get started, check out this blog post: Building a Family Budget.
Increase your savings. Start planning for retirement or other milestones like buying a home, sending your children to college, or retirement. Designate a portion of each paycheck to go directly to savings so you won’t be tempted to spend it.
Maximize your income. A little extra cash could come in handy. Plus, diversifying your income could help tide you over if you’re ever laid off. Consider selling a service or crafts for extra income.
Pay off your debts. It’s hard to enjoy peace of mind if bill collectors are on your trail. Address the issue head on. You may be able to negotiate a payment plan that will give you a fresh start.
Promises to make to show up for yourself for better relationships:
Develop close relationships. Make time for your family and friends. List the reasons why you love your partner and children. Give them your full attention when you’re at home. Schedule weekly coffee dates with friends to ensure you stay in touch. Build connections and foster the relationships that are important to you.
Connect with the divine. Make your faith part of your daily life. Search for a spiritual community where you can feel at home, and share your journey.
Continue learning. Your education is a life-long project. Broaden your horizons through reading, lectures, and classes.
Flex your creativity. Creative pastimes sharpen your thinking and allow you to express your thoughts and ideas. Experiment with different mediums to discover your strengths. You may want to take up photography or write a novel.
Participate in meaningful activities. Pursue your passions, develop your skills, and build up a track record of accomplishments. Your achievements may come through your career or hobbies.
Now that my children are grown, it is easier to make these commitments to myself. I do wish that I had shown up for myself more when I was a young mom. I know how hard it is to balance it all! With my mom’s reminders and gentle nudges, I took a look at my life and started to focus more on myself. It is important to remember that taking care of yourself gives you the ability to succeed in life and share your gifts with others. Make some meaningful promises today that will brighten your future and help you fulfill your dreams. It’s time to show up for yourself!
