Take time for you!

This past Sunday I committed what, up until then, I considered to be an unspeakable act: I missed my baby cousin’s ‘going off to college’ party. I come from a very large, relatively close-knit family that takes family gatherings extremely seriously. If you are in town and there is something going on you are expected to be there. For us it’s critically important that we support one another and celebrate the special moments in each of our lives. We were raised not to take our family for granted and to be there for each other at all times.

I, like most of family, take this responsibility very seriously. Although I long since moved away from our home-town of Boston, I always make an effort to be in town for family functions, no matter how big or small, and no matter what the expense. So missing an event that was taking place while I was actually in town was just not heard of.

Unfortunately, on the day of this particular event I just didn’t have the mental strength leave the house, let alone go to a party. After spending six weeks in New York, I had returned to Boston for just three days when I had to travel back to New York for the day, return to Boston the next day to teach a class, and get up the next morning and take an 8 hour train ride to DC with my 4 year-old niece. After four days in DC I took a 10-hour train ride back to Boston and got straight to work. Not to mention that that the day before the party I rode 15 miles on my bike, took two Tae Kwon Do class, rehearsed the creation of my new piece and taught an outdoor dance class.

To say I was 'spent' the morning of the party would have been an understatement of the worst kind! My body was sore and my spirit was tired. I needed a day by myself. I needed to make a choice between sharing a special moment with my cousin and recharging my battery. By 10:00 a.m. I had made my decision. If I went to the party I would not have been fully present. Instead I would have been walking in a haze, barely able to move or really appreciate what was going on around me. On the other hand, if I stayed home I could give myself some much needed down time re-energize my mind and spirit and better prepare myself for the week ahead. I chose to put myself first and stayed home.

Surprisingly, the world didn’t end. My family didn’t disown me. And my sweet cousin completely understood when I told her the truth about my absence. I woke up on Monday completely replenished and better able to be of service to my family and the community that I hold so dear.

I’m glad that I took that moment and reminded myself that I should be the top priority on my ‘to do’ list. If am depleted and rundown then I am of no use to myself or those who I strive to support and serve. The greatest gift that I can give to another (family member, friend, community, etc.) is to take care of myself. Getting proper rest and nutrition, pursing my fitness goals, nurturing my mental and spiritual health – these things strengthen me and my ability to be of service others. I encourage you to make time for you!