Gentle reminders

Sometimes there is no one harder on us than ourselves. We set expectations for ourselves that we would never impose on another. Nothing less than perfect will do. While it is important that we do our best, it is also important to be realistic as to what we can and can't accomplish under the present circumstances. We overschedule ourselves to where we barely have time to breathe. We work, exercise, do the shopping, cook our meals, and attend social events to the point of exhaustion. We tax our bodies to the limit compromising our immune system and opening ourselves to illnesses that confine us to bed. You won't be much good to yourself or others if you have to spend three or more days in bed recuperating from the flu. Rather than wait for that to occur, provide a gentle reminder that easy does it. Give yourself well-deserved breaks in the form of a walk through nature, a warm bath, or relaxing while listening to your favorite music. Learn to say 'no' to invitations to events that you know will overextend you. Remind yourself that by saying 'no', you are providing someone else who has the time to step in to participate. This will reduce the stress upon your body and reenergize you. Ask yourself if you are treating yourself into wellness. What would your answer be today?