While you are spending time attending the celebrations of others — parties, anniversaries, and family unions — be sure that you are taking time to be present in the life that you walk in each and every day.
I am not saying to not continue to honor others and be there in the need of people –we should always continue walking in that manner. How many times have you planned to take time for yourself, only to forget because it wasn’t on your calendar, you lost track of it, or whatever the case may be, when you realize that once again, you did not put yourself first in doing what needs to be done for you. Being present in your own life is important.
As a mother, sister, daughter, wife, lover, or friend, don’t forget you are also you. Now is the time to start looking at your life a little differently. Begin to do things for yourself — not selfishly, but holistically in a way that is good for you overall. You may not have realized it, but even those little things that you take the time to do for yourself matter. For example, at night when you are ready for bed, did you take your vitamins? Did you brush your teeth? Did you clean off that makeup from your face completely? Did you do whatever that thing is that you know really needs to be done before you get in bed, but sometimes choose to say “ehh” and get into bed without doing it?
Being present in your life just means doing for you, being present in the moment that you live in, and tending to your needs at all times, without apology. That does not make you selfish. It gives you an awareness of who you are so that you can walk with others in a much more cohesive manner. We are all in need of help, of being there for others, and the desire of wanting to give back. However, being present in your own life is where you take that first stance and are able to be present in all of those other encounters that you face. Be it a woman or a man, it applies to both of us — all of us. As we get older, we understand it better, by and by. When it comes down to the younger folks, we need to remind them, support them, and show them the way by sharing our wisdom and being present in our own lives.
The year is still young. As you walk through March, do something different and become more present in your own life. Until next time…PEACE!
cj is a poet, educator, motivational speaker, and inspirational writer who resides in Philadelphia. If you were moved by this piece, shoot cj a “like” or comment at: [email protected].
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