Recharging

I am aware that I need to treat others kindly, but tend to forget that kindness needs to starts at home with myself.

I am always stressing being kind to others, but something I often overlook is being kind to myself, or just taking time for ME.   Usually, the last thing that I will focus on is doing something for myself.  Over the last two years, I have made sure that I made the time to get to my kickboxing class twice a week.  It is one hour twice a week, that is just for me.  I have even begun to lead a Sunday class, actually giving myself another hour each week for “me time”!  I know that I am no different than most people.  Unfortunately,  the first thing to “go” when we are overworked or stressed seems to be doting on ourselves.   My husband makes sure that I take this time, insisting that I get to those classes each night, knowing that I am in a much better mood after going and a better person because of it!

Today, I took a “Claire Day”.  There was no work due to President’s Weekend.  I started my day with a morning kickboxing class – something I never get to do, and wound up connecting with a friend I had not seen in awhile.  I had a manicure AND a pedicure and then got my hair cut, colored AND blown out…and all of this before 3 pm!!  My husband and I are enjoying a kid free evening tonight and going out to dinner, (we usually skip the Valentine’s Day crowds and celebrate on the weekend instead).  Seems a bit indulgent but is has certainly raised my spirits and given me the lift that I needed!!

We all need to remember to take time to recharge our own batteries because if we don’t remember to be kind to ourselves, we don’t have the energy, strength or spirit to treat the others with the kindness they too deserve.

Tagged: Kind to self