Putting Yourself First

Well, all I continue down the path of trying to make me a priority each day.  It makes a huge difference.     I went on a date Monday night -- even though it meant leaving early, after having gotten to work late.  It was a wonderful date!   I put out a lot of expectations for someone at work -- normally I would be taking this on myself to make her life less stressful.   I reorganized my department to make my life less stressful. And I took myself out for a drink and dinner last night because I needed a nice, quiet place to relax.  Met some wonderful people, including this guy who actually picked up my tab!  Wow -- that felt really nice. This weekend is definitely all about me!  Date is Friday night, Manicure/Pedicure on Satuday, and shopping for upcoming cruise on Sat/Sun. 

Thanks so much, Linda, for the support.  I have to admit this feels great.  Friday date was really good.  We went to a wonderful sushi place for dinner, a play, and then for a drink at this scotch bar he frequents.  He was very nice, easy to get along with.  And I just liked the whole experience of it.  After hiding out for so long, it felt nice to be "out there." 

Amen, girlfriend!!!  I know in my everyday life, it is very easy to put everyone else before myself, and I end up suffering for that.  Don't get me wrong, my children will always be put before myself, but that doesn't mean that I should just let myself go b/c I am "mama"!  Right?  There are, of course, lots and lots of things that I have to do everyday for everyone else, and that's OK, but I have recently made myself a promise to do some nice things for ME everyday as well.  I kinda forgot what all I went through to get here, and I do deserve a little ME time, and so do you, so congrats on your new outlook.   I am happy for you, and hope things continue to look up!  (for both of us!!!)   Have a great date tonight! 

Good  Morning  Linda, Mary  and Beth....   I  read  your  postings  this  morning  and  appreciated  what  each  of  you  posted ..  Putting  my self   first  is not  my nature  ..  When I  saw  my  Dr   he  told  me  I needed  to  start   focusing  on  me  and  let  others  take  care  of  themselves  ..  After  reading  your  posts  I   am  encouraged  to  look  at  days a  head  and  plan  more  time  for  me ..  Hope  everyone  has  a  great  friday  enjoy  your  ME  time   no matter  what  you  choose  to  do  ..  :-)  Hugs ,  Tami

Beth, I have been an ass as well about doing stuff for me.  Even putting perfect strangers wishes before my own.  But no more.  We need to stick with this!  Date was very very nice.  Very relaxed, very fun.  Maryse

It's funny... this past year and 1/2 I finally started putting myself at the top of my list.  I do have young children, but I take time every day to exercise, to have some alone time and to pamper myself.  Once a week without fail my husband and I go out for date night and at least once a month I go out with the girls. The interesting thing is the effect on the people around me.  My kids and husband are happier.  They enjoy me more when we're together.  My kids are more confident, and they're learning to take care of themselves and each other.  My daughter (age 6) is already learning the joy and necessity of alone time and self-pampering.  I hope she never loses this ability or the knowledge of how necessary it is like I did for so long. Take care of yourselves, ladies - your families and work will be the better for it!!

You are so right about how doing the self-care, makes everything else healthier and better.  I can see the difference even in these few days. Taking time for me to do the things that matter to me. 

Congrats on putting yourself first.....once we come first then it falls into line that others will be taken care of.  We can't truely take care of others until we take care of the #1 person in our lives and that is ourself..... Since I changed my attitude, things have been so much better with my attitude and those around me.....My husband is now doing more for me because of the new attitude with me.  Everyone in the family realize just how important mom is.... I know it is hard after so many years of taking care of everyone but gosh if we are not taken care of too....well you know you are seeing the light.... Continue on girl, you are the # 1 priority and you can already see the difference and I promise it gets even better.  Hugs, 

I think I am on week two of this... and you are all very right about how life altering it is to ask yourself what you want, and do that, rather than follow along with others' plans for you.  It feels fantastic.  I am grateful for this realization and the sanity with food it seems to have brought me. Other than 1 Krispy Creme donut, my food this week was incredibly healthy.