{make time for yourself}

We all have personal motivators for doing what we do. Reasons to Be.STRONGER.

First, we should be STRONGER for others. Putting others before ourselves. Then next, be STRONGER for ourselves. But part of being STRONGER for others is being sure we take good care of ourselves - eat right, exercise, get good sleep, grow spiritually etc.

I'm sure you have heard this before...

                    We can't take care of others if we first don't take care of ourselves.

Back when I was working as a nurse, I would often tell this to patients' family members who were not eating or sleeping due to trying to take care of their loved one. Eventually they will wear down. And their family member needs them to have the strength to support them and take care of them.

This is true whatever our life situation is.

I'm a better wife to my husband because I take care of my body. He definitely appreciates how I look. ;) I know he would love me regardless but it's important to try to make ourselves look good for our spouses. I appreciate that he tries to look good for me. So I ought to return the favor. Plus, if I'm not making myself look good for him, why should I expect him to do the same? Also, I want his looking to stay at home!

I'm a better mom because I take the time for myself to refuel and work on my health. I have more energy for my daughter and I can be active with her. I never want my physical abilities, as far as I can control, to stop me from being active with my daughter. And I don't want her to be ashamed of me when she gets older. I want to set a good example for her. I can't "preach" to her about eating healthy if I'm not doing it myself. People, especially kids, pay attention to what they see lived out more so than what they are told.

There is a line of being selfish that we want to be sure we don't cross. If taking time for ourselves effect our relationship with our love ones or others or causes issues with finances or work, then we are probably taking too much time for ourselves.

It's a balance. You are worth the time for improving yourself. Our time for ourselves needs to constructive and beneficial in positive ways not only to us, but to others as well.

In an encourage article, How I Lost 212 Pounds,  Jennifer describes her secret for her success as giving herself at least 30 minutes a day of me time. She states, "No matter how busy you are, take a half-hour each day just for yourself. Go for a walk, plan healthy meals or simply relax and recharge. You're not being selfish—you need the time to focus on your own well-being. After all, if you're not healthy, how can you take care of anyone else? I did feel guilty at first, but following this rule helped me lose the weight, and it enables me and my family to live a healthy lifestyle."

What sort of things do you do to take time for yourself to get STRONGER?

If your health and fitness are an if-I-have-the-item type of activity, I encourage to make it a priority. Make the time, rather than find the time. It doesn't have to be much. Like Jennifer mentioned above, it could only be 30 minutes. Then gradual increase the time. In 30 minutes, you could go for a walk or jog, plan out healthy meals, read a health related book, or read stuff I've posted on FB. :)

Be.STRONGER! ~  ♥ JenG

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