If you try to maintain balance in your mind, body and spirit makes you feel like a tightrope walker, you’re not alone. In fact, most of us bossy women have so many demands on our time and energy, life can feel like a three-ring circus. Whether it’s taking care of the babes, loving your boo or appeasing your boss(es) at work, school or church, we are always on the constant on the constant go-go-go.
I love how Dr. Brene Brown reminded us that no is a complete sentence. Even God set aside a day of rest after he created the world, the inhabitants, the birds in the air and the fish in the sea. So if he can’t take a pause every once in a while, be encouraged that you can too.
Take this quiz to see how well you are making yourself a priority in every aspect of your life:
True False
___ ____ 1. The only way I can successfully manage my life is to take care of myself physically and emotionally.
___ ____ 2. Nurturing myself enlarges my capacity to help others.
___ ____ 3. I eat healthfully and exercise regularly.
___ ____ 4. I get check-ups, go to the dentist, and take preventative precautions.
___ ____ 5. I set aside personal, quiet time for myself, whether I’m meditating or simply letting my thoughts drift.
___ ____ 6. I experience the gifts of each season: snow ball fighting, gardening, going to barbequeing and playing in leaves
___ ____ 7. I do what I love, whether that’s cooking, painting, writing, dancing, singing or another creative pursuit.
___ ____ 8. Reaching out to others enriches my life. I spend quality time with family and friends.
___ ____ 9. I give my time, energy and experience where it is most useful.
___ ____ 10. I recognize my emotional signals that tell me I’m out of balance: irritability, overwhelm, resentment.
___ ____ 11. I realize when I stress my immune system with overactivity, so I stop and take care of myself.
___ ____ 12. I don’t overwork myself and know how to say no to requests for my time.
___ ____ 13. I listen to and honor the requests my body makes for such things as a nap, a walk, green vegetables, hot soup.
___ ____ 14. If I have something planned for myself, I don’t just toss that aside when someone makes a request of me.
___ ____ 15. I’m busy, but I find time to do the things I want to do.
___ ____ 16. I regularly experience well-being, contentment, peace, joy and happiness.
If you answered false more often than not, you may want to assess your footsteps, rebalance your priorities and release anything that keeps you from building and living life you love. Until next time, free yourself to be yourself, perACTly! -xo, Toni Moore @thebossbuilder