Looking Out for Number One
Looking Out for Number One
I mentioned last week that this year I’ll be writing about choices we make, and how they can affect us and people around us. In my opinion, one of the most important decisions we can make is to take good care of ourselves. This sounds pretty basic but, as we look out for everyone else around us, we can put ourselves on the back burner.
Some people have a hard time with this one, feeling like it might be selfish. But I’m going to ask you to turn that mentality around – in counseling we call it a, “Positive Reframe”. That means pretty much what it sounds like – turning something into a more positive version of itself. So instead of feeling selfish, consider it making an investment in yourself.
Are there areas in your life where you could make better choices? Maybe you need to stop smoking, lose weight, stop fighting with your spouse, get along better with your kids, stop being a workaholic – you get the idea. Most of us tend to have a myriad of choices when it comes to self-improvement.
I’ll give a personal example. Up until about 10 years ago I never (and I mean never!) exercised. In fact, my personal mantra was, “I hate exercising – I hate getting hot and sweaty”. As a result, I completely avoided it. However, my health was suffering and my weight was creeping upwards so I made the reluctant decision to get off the couch and start moving.
Last fall I decided it was time to add on to that decision and lose some weight. I choose to go on a healthy weight loss program and added that onto my exercising. As a result of those 2 choices I’m down 15 pounds. That doesn’t sound like much but I walked around my house this morning carrying 15 pounds of weights and couldn’t believe how heavy it was!
I wish I could tell you the pounds just dropped off by themselves but they didn’t. I had to choose to move regularly and to eat better – consistently. It took time, effort and some money but it was totally worth it. I’m I completely worth it!
How do you need to invest in yourself this year? What new choices do you need to make? It may not be easy, buy empowering yourself is always an excellent decision – go for it!