Entries For: February 2008

I've talked with several clients in the past few weeks about this notion of self care and I'm amazed at how many of us resist this idea. We are programmed to take care of others, put others' needs and concerns before our own, give, give, give until it hurts and then give some more.

What's the end result usually? We end up wearing cranky pants! We become tired, overworked, overwhelmed, under appreciated, resentful, unhealthy, cranky, crabby and noone wants to hang out with us and then we don't even want to hang out with ourselves anymore because we are miserable.

That is not a fun way to live and if you recognize elements of this in your own life, I encourage you to stop now and take a hard look. You can make some changes right now that will benefit you for the short-term and the long-term! 

Claiming Elizabeth's Year of Extreme Self Care reminds me that I deserve to treat myself with love and attention.  What are the benefits? 

- I am balanced, happy and whole

- I feel solid and confident about my life and who I am

- I am able to be fully present for the people in my life (family, friends, clients, colleagues) who need me

- I'm more fun to be around because I am enjoying life

- I'm more productive in every area of my life

- I'm a more insightful coach, a more loving wife, a patient and caring friend, an enthusiastic networker who enjoys meeting new people

What if you claimed this year as YOUR year of Extreme Self Care? How could that change your life?

I know for sure that in the final analysis of our lives - when the to-do lists are no more, when the frenzy is finished, when our e-mail boxes are empty - the only thing that will have any lasting value is whether we've loved others and whether they've loved us. -- Oprah Winfrey

I know a lot of people consider Valentine's Day a "Hallmark holiday" --- one that has been overcommercialized and forced and stuffed down our throats. They say it's only a holiday because the media and retailers say it's so.

But I say, what's so bad about a holiday that celebrates love? What's so bad about expressing how you really feel to the people that you care about? OK OK so maybe we don't need all that chocolate and we certainly don't need to rack up credit card debt to impress people with material s-t-u-f-f but seriously folks... taking time out to

- write words of endearment to your sweetheart in a card or letter

- actually go out on a date (a candelight picnic in your living room can actually be more romantic than a big night out on the town!)

- spend time with friends and family laughing and celebrating love and life

- treat yourself to a bubble bath or anything else that makes you feel good about yourself

...well, I think these things are wonderful!

Valentine's Day reminds us to be more mindful and conscious of expressing our love. If more people said "I love you" every day to their partners, their parents, their children, their friends I think the world would be a better place.

One of my happy memories of childhood is getting ready for bed and going to each parent, hugging and kissing them and saying "I love you" and hearing it in return. Now in my marriage, we go through a similar ritual every night. There is peace and comfort in hearing that you are loved and in expressing it to another. Some people say that "the L word" is overused, but I never tire of hearing it - or saying it.

I love you dear readers, dear friends, dear family! Happy Valentine's Day!

Christmas, like so many holidays, is a good reason for friends and loved ones to come together and celebrate something that matters to them. I believe the essence of this wonderful holiday is all about love, family, togetherness, generosity and appreciation.

We had a great time laughing, playing games, telling stories and simply enjoying being together.

We teased Kathy (my birthmom!) that her house looked goofy decorated with Santa Claus and snowmen in February but she didn't care. She was just delighted to have the whole family together, to have Brad safely home from Iraq and to share the spirit of love and giving with everyone. 

Christmas in February? Yeah, a little goofy. Sure, a bit out of place. But OH so much fun!