Putting Myself First: Part Eight.

So, this is less about WHAT I did, but the HOW of putting myself first.

I am busy - we’re all busy, which is why it’s sometimes hard to put ourselves first. So today I’m going to discuss ways to do it. I have to admit, I am a white, cis, able bodied, upper working class woman so my experience is based on this and while I try and be as inclusive as possible, sometimes I make mistakes so if I have missed the mark please do let me know.

I’m open to learning about my mistakes.

And that’s what this is all about - being OPEN. Open to it all, the good and the bad. Our ego has a lot to answer for - the image we created for ourselves for the outside world and for ourselves. What we believe is right and wrong, how we judge others based on our ego and how we project that onto the world. When we live with our ego, we can struggle to be open.

“I’ll never find the time for me!” is a thought I have had, and do have. But what happens if I stay open?

Open to what’s really happening, open to my needs and the needs of those around me and open to possibilities.

I am enrolled on two courses that have a fair amount of homework, I’m running my business, I have two kids aged 4 and 5, I have a dog and I have a household to manage. And I want to do things for just me to make me feel excited, happy, and joyous. So how can I manage this?

1. Phone time/ reading.
   So much of my time can get zapped by using my phone - so I make sure it isn’t nearby. The habit and temptation to grab it while I sit with a cuppa is too tempting. So I pop a book there instead. I love reading, so I make it accessible.

2. Exercise.
   I love exercise, it keeps me feeling really good. So to be open to the chance to move a bit more I wear my work out kit so I am ready when the possibility comes around. I may only get 10 minutes on the cross trainer but it’s more than I would get it I weren’t open to the possibility.

3. Rest.
   This morning I wanted to get up earlier than the kids and exercise, but when my alarm went off I wasn’t ready to get up, so I rested. I also had a lie down and closed my eyes as the girls watched Encanto today. Rest is important, and I took my chance when I had it.

4. Let it flow.
   Sometimes life is busy and boring, and sometimes we don’t get what we want when we want it. Being open to life being this way and letting it flow is such a kind way to be with yourself. My daughter is going through a phase of talking in a baby voice - and it annoys me. But rather than causing her to feel a bit shit about herself speaking this way, I go with the flow. It isn’t hurting anyone, my ego is telling me it’s not right, but honestly, it feels right to her so I suck my ego up and go with the flow.

I am sure there are more examples which if you have any I would love for you to share them with me.

Until next time, L xx