Trying a Little Kindness
Posted on: May 5, 2016
Ever feel as though you do nice things for everyone but yourself?
I know parents in particular struggle with this problem. It seems more important to make treats for the bake sale, wash a teenager’s favourite shirt or pair of jeans, sign permission slips, and help with homework than it does to take care of ourselves. And if we’re married, doing things for our spouse—picking up dry cleaning, confirming appointments, making special meals—often trumps things we need or would like to do for ourselves.
How many of us are so focussed on our families that we don’t make time to eat well, exercise or get enough sleep? How many of us say we’re too busy or we need to put others first?
We are called to serve our family and our community with the gifts God has given us, but if our gas tank runs dry, we won’t be fit to serve anyone.
Maybe the time has come to direct a little kindness toward ourselves. God loves all his children—and we need to remember that we’re included in that number.
Despite the upheaval in my life, I’m not running on fumes because, for the first time in years, I’ve been making a serious effort to take care of myself. I get up early, have a healthy breakfast and work out before I get my son out the door for school. I don’t keep junk food in the house or bake many treats. And I get ready for bed long before bedtime, get the next day’s clothes (workout gear included) ready, and turn in at a decent time. But I’m still not making the grade in the making-time-for-fun department.
What small changes would we be willing to make to improve our self-care? Here are some suggestions:
- Make sure lunches and backpacks are packed and clothes are laid out the night before to cut down on the morning rush.
- Get ready for bed before bedtime: take off makeup, wash up, put on pyjamas, turn off the television and other devices.
- Put out workout gear at bedtime to make it easier to exercise early in the day, or pack the gym bag for a lunchtime or an after-work gym visit.
- Stock up on fruit, veggies and unprocessed foods so healthy choices are always available.
- Plan fun activities to do as a family: bike rides, movie nights, soccer in the park, a visit to a community festival.
I pray that we would make the effort as well as the time to take better care of ourselves so that we would be fuelled to serve God and care for others.
Share this:
1 Response to "Trying a Little Kindness"
Comments are closed.
A Catholic Convert in Ottawa 
May 7, 2016 at 2:11 am
great post