Pouring from an empty cup is impossible! You need to rest, reset and recharge. It’s okay for you to say “I’m tired”. It’s okay to not want to be on the go 24/7. I mean, let’s be real, our society is so fast paced that it feels like we’re in a constant whirlwind of tasks that need to be completed. Taking a break from time-to-time is not only “okay”, it’s essential.
Stop feeling guilty for wanting… no, needing to take care of you, too! You spend your time taking care of kids, a spouse, your house, your job, your friendships, your family relationships, etc.. you need to spend some maintenance time on you, too.
What do you like to do? What are your hobbies? What are your favorite snacks? What do you find interesting? Who are you when you’re not wearing a hat that serves others?
Now, don’t get me wrong, there is joy in a servant’s heart, but, you can also experience burnout if you are only focused on others. As a Christian, I believe we are designed for community. We are meant to do life with one another – the good, the bad, the ugly, the exciting and everything in between. However, making solo time is important because if we aren’t creating a space for us to be alone, then we can never truly hear the voice of God. Yes, the Holy Spirt will prompt us but being in a constant motion of “go and do” doesn’t exactly help us unwind, relax our mind and drowned out the noise of the world.
So, you like to read. Grab a book before bed instead of scrolling through your newsfeed.
So, you like to crochet. Spend a Saturday afternoon out on the porch with your favorite drink and snack and tell the kids this is your alone time and to find a place to play for the next hour or so and you’ll be back in to check on them in a bit.
So, you like word puzzles. Have a goal to do one or two or ten a day!
So, you like to fish. Go! At least once a month. It doesn’t have to be an all day ordeal. You can go for a couple of hours. Recharge and then tackle whatever tasks you need to get accomplished, or go after you get them accomplished.
Whatever it is that you like to do, just make the time for it! After doing all of the things for everyone else, you deserve to do it for you, too!
Start a fire in the pit on a chilly fall night just for yourself.
Watch the movie, go on a walk or bike ride alone.
You don’t always have to do it just because you’re hosting and it’s a big to-do. It doesn’t have to be an event your friends and family want to go to.
Sure, make the filet mignon on your anniversary because it is a special occasion… but, if you’ve got the house to yourself and you want to treat yourself, do it!
You matter. You don’t have to have a reason to do it for yourself, too! It’s important that you’re taking care of yourself!
Make the charcuterie board for one!