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Each month a new inspirational,
spiritual, or educational article by Alice McCall is posted.
If
you would like to read past articles,
please follow this link.
August 2008
Put Yourself First!
What is your immediate reaction to the
statement 'put yourself first'?
My reaction is, “It sounds selfish.” Upon
further reflection, however, it isn’t selfish. It’s smart! Let’s
face it, if you do not take care of yourself and put yourself first,
who will?
It is not your purpose or responsibility
to take care of others, make decisions for them, tell them what to
do, or change them. That is their responsibility – their life. Each
of us are called upon to take care of our self, change and evolve
our self, remember whom we are, and create the highest idea of
yourself in each moment.
Neal Walsh, Conversations with God,
writes, “The most loving person is the person who is self centered.”
I am sure this might shock some of you. However, the reality is that
if you cannot love yourself, you cannot truly love another. Your
first relationship must be with yourself!
Let’s take a
closer look at a few practical applications.
In a prior career, I used to spend all of
my energy on my job - supporting my employees, doing the annual
budget, negotiating business, etc. In the mean time, my personal
bills, legal documents, and support system were never considered a
priority. What happened? Eventually everything started to go awry in
the personal department. I even missed a communication that cost me
lots of money! I realized the hard way, if I don't take care of my
self and my life, including pampering me, who will?
Putting yourself
first is the most important job you have. It includes your health,
exercise routine, eating habits, finances, spiritual growth and
development, and importantly your relationship with you. This is
first, above all else. Your family, your friends, and your
obligations should always take a back seat to taking care of your
life.
Ouch! I know that might sound awful.
However, I am not saying family is not important. They are very
important, but not to the point where you put yourself last! If you
are not healthy, energized, and centered, what good are you to your
family anyway?
It is not one versus the other. Putting
yourself first does not mean it is all about you. It means you
consciously choose to do what is best for you. That is not selfish -
it is smart!
It means consciously rescheduling planned
time with a friend, when your body is telling you that you need down
time. It means waking up early to create time for a brisk walk, some
quiet meditation time with God, or a healthy breakfast, before you
start your normal morning routine. It means taking the time to get
to know yourself, listen to your self, and use the wisdom gained in
the process as your compass.
Neal Walsh, Conversations with God
writes, “The highest choice at any moment is that which produces the
highest good for you.” Why is this so? When made, the highest good
for you becomes the highest good for everyone. What you do for self,
you do for another.
The Celtic Runes state that ‘The starting
point for all is the self.’ Its essence is comparable to water. A
correct relationship to your self is primary and from it flows all
relationships with others along with the Divine.
The first
counsel written over the temple of Delphi was, “Know thyself.”
I have
gone through an evolution in my life from being a doormat to
consciously choosing in each moment what is best for me. I can
honestly say that my relationships now are healthier; I am more at
ease with others and myself; and people like me for me, even though
I put myself first!
The sacred Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita
says it well in Chapter 6, verse 5, “For the Self is the self’s only
friend, and the self is the Self’s only foe.”
Think about it.
What is that you are being and becoming in each moment? Are you your
friend or are you your foe?
Think about you. It’s the healthy choice.
I invite
you to honor and love yourself this month by consciously choosing
what is best for you each day.
Contact Alice
to learn how she can help you master this topic - or transform other
health, emotion, and spiritual issues. Free consultations for
all new clients to learn how Alice's work is directly tailored to
address your areas of concern. Don't wait - step onto your Healing
Path today!
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