Taking Care of Yourself

An episode of the Oprah TV show about Motherhood inspired this entry. Dr Phil McGraw introduced the idea that being a good Mum does not mean divorcing from our own needs and devoting 100 percent of our time focussing on husband, partner or children. Not unless we get something out of being a martyr besides becoming emotionally bankrupt. Martyrs are no use to anyone dead. Emotionally bankrupt people have nothing left to give. Dr Phil McGraw suggested that taking care of ourself is like putting currency in the bank- for others.

He suggests the following:

• Get over the guilt of not giving to others one hundred percent of the time


• Structure your life to make yourself a priority


• Learn to delegate


• Learn to accept less than perfection


• Stop classifying your hobbies, friendships etc as being non-essential or of low priority


• Find your passions


• Share the vitality that comes with following your passions


• Write a script or speech that you plan to communicate to your family in order to help them understand why you are going to behave differently now


• Ask them for the time and understanding needed to revitalise yourself


• Ask them to help you break old habits when you find yourself feeling
  guilty

(but don’t count on it)