Today’s blog is going to be intentionally blunt. I’m choosing to speak pointedly because you are a uniquely amazing person. No one else can do what you are doing or bring to the world what you do, so it is vital you take care of the precious person you are.
In Monday’s Check In blog, I stated that I recognized I had gone off track – particularly with my primary intention of returning to consistency with my fitness and nutrition.
Going off track is fairly common, which is why I encourage regular check-ins on your year’s intentions or resolutions. When you recognize you have gone off-roading and possibly gotten stuck, the check-ins can help you get back on your path. As a nurturer and caregiver, the expectations and demands of managing the care and schedules of your loved one(s) can make it easier to let your daily personal plans and self-nurturing be moved down – and likely off – the schedule for the day.
I have been there and done that.
I want you to know I see you, and I hear you. Because I love you, I am going to challenge you to prioritize yourself equally to those you care for. And do so consistently.
I know this is not easy. Some days, it may be close to impossible. I get that. I lived that.
But, I will channel both my former personal trainer self and the caregiver survivor and tell you that you cannot afford not to prioritize your well-being. It is highly probable that if you do not take action steps daily – at least most days – for your health and well-being, something will give. There are statistics that verify this.
You cannot provide another what you do not have. You cannot listen with your heart or with an open, compassionate mind if you are struggling mentally, emotionally, and/or physically to get through the day.
I have no doubt you want to provide loving care for those in your life. To do so, you must take care of yourself.
Back to my statement that when I did a check-in recently, I recognized I had gone off-track with my primary Intention of returning to Consistency with my health and fitness. I had let other Intentions, distractions, and stressors interrupt the consistency part of my fitness and nutrition Intention.
Why is Consistency a key intention? Because as I get older, I want to continue to be strong, active, and healthy so I can enjoy the life I have been gifted. I’ve got grandbabies to play with 😊 ! To do that, I must consistently care for and fuel my body, which in turn helps support me mentally and emotionally.
The photo for today is one I took of my father days after his 92nd birthday this past January. He suffered a stroke 5 years ago, a few weeks after my husband died. Dad does his exercises every day. Although he no longer tracks the miles hiked or peddled for the day, my father counts his steps to ensure he keeps moving. Dad knows he has to keep his body moving because he will decline fast if he stops. I believe if my father had not been in as good a shape as he had been and had the type of stroke he had, he would not be with us today. Additionally, if my mom were not as active and mobile as she is, she would not be able to continue as his primary caregiver.
There will always be excuses to be found, my friend, to push yourself down the priority list. Do not mistake me as saying you need to add to your already exhausting day but to replace something(s) within it so you give yourself the same loving care you do your loved ones.
To help bring my point home: Ask yourself, who will care for them if you are not able to?
My beautiful, uniquely amazing friend, may you be intentional in making your well-being a priority every day 💙
