When it comes time to set priorities and make decisions, what is one of the most often neglected areas of our lives?

OURSELVES!

Most of us have been conditioned to always put others before us.

Two weeks ago I heard from palliative care workers who find it hard to turn off their pagers when they are "off-duty". I also spoke with a funeral director who told me that his family vacations are often sacrificed because the business comes first. Now these are both very noble professions and because each deals directly with helping others in a time of need there is a temptation to say, "But that's just the nature of the business."

Have you ever said those words about your own situation?

Today, I want you to challange that line of thinking by asking yourself this question: "If you are always busy taking care of others, or if you are constantly focused on "taking care of business" - then who is taking care of YOU?"

My second, and tougher question is: "How long can you keep that up?"

In his book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People," Steven Covey calls it "sharpening the saw" and I think that is a wonderful metaphor. The premise is that in order to be most effective at cutting wood, we need to actually stop cutting wood on a regular basis in order that we might sharpen the saw.

Airline safety instructions tell you to put your own oxygen mask on FIRST, before helping others. The reason is simple. If your basic needs are not being met, how can you help others?

This week I encourage you to remember to take time for yourself! Pamper yourself and look after yourself first.

Do this for two reasons:
1. If you spend all of your time focused on others, you may wake up one day and feel cheated out of your own dreams, goals and desires.
2. You'll be of better service to others if you've first taken care of yourself.

ENJOY NOW!

There will never be another now- I'll make the most of today. There will never be another me- I'll make the most of myself.

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National Library of Canada ISSN 1708-0606

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