I learned the hard way on how to give this last challenge. If I'm being honest I should have started the giving challenge here with "find a way to give to yourself."
We tend to give, give, give to others but never take time to give to ourselves?
When I was on my Giving journey, giving a gift every day for 522, when I missed a day I was both devastated and relieved.
Why?
I was tired! What I realized is, that if I want to serve and pour into others, I myself, must be healthy, both mentally and physically. Be rested, both body and soul. I could be happy for what I'm giving but also in my own life.
After my 522-day journey, I took a break to rejuvenate and I loved learning and finding new ways to incorporated ways to give to myself regularly.
When I picked back up on my daily giving, I incorporated self-care because when we take care of ourselves, I've found, we can give more to others. An idea that many have a hard time believing and putting into action. I get it! I've been there.
I learned from my mistakes and now each week I find ways to unplug and fill up my tank.
Here are some of my favorite ways…
1. Reading a good book. (Currently, a Long Way Home, by Charles Martin.)
2. Going for a hike.
3. Soaking in a bubble bath.
4. Watching a movie.
5. Napping
As I reflect on the last fourteen days, I think I should have started by having you fill your cup up first, so you could plow through the fourteen days. I'm sorry I didn't. But with that said, congratulations for participating in the "Summer" Giving Challenge.
Now go out, celebrate and find a way to give to yourself.
Happy Giving,
Day 14 Giving Challenge: Find a way to give to yourself
Did you know... Many women feel guilty about taking time for themselves. I wish I had the reference, but I heard a research study on the radio, and I swear the show's host said, a recent study found that 63% surveyed felt guilty for taking time for self-care. What? Let's not feel guilty about giving to ourselves and living the best life we can! P.S. Easier said than done. But let's work on making progress and getting rid of guilt.
Chat with your Children: One in eight children suffer from anxiety. There are many factors that are contributing to the high rates of anxiety in children and too much to dig into here. But in reading various articles, there are things we can do to help children with anxiety, and I think they align nicely to giving to yourself. (1) Work to find time for children to relax each day, without a screen. Maybe helping with dinner, playing a game, or snuggling up with a book; and (2) Get outside and play.
Bonus Story: Several years ago, I took hot yoga. What an experience! Here are five things I learned from the experience.