Maintaining Me: A Checklist for Self-Care

The last few weeks have been overwhelming to say the least. I’ve found myself rocking in anxiety both due to internal and external factors. As I began to get my bearings together I have been reminded of the necessity of maintaining me. There are certain things that I must do to ensure my well-being prior to juggling all of the other things that I am responsible for.

Yesterday, I heard someone saying that we as individuals must make sure that we are getting our regular maintenance, like cars. And I began to think about what that maintenance would look like for me. Ironically enough when I opened my planner to grab today’s post topic, it was on Maintaining Me. Maybe not so ironic as it is divine. 😊 

The end of the year is rapidly approaching so the time for maintenance

Here’s my 10-point maintenance checklist:

·         What is my general mood and disposition lately?

·         When was the last time I had scheduled, uninterrupted me time?

·         When was the last time I did a personal Bible study?

·         When was the last time I connected with hubby without the kids?

·         When was the last time I connected with family and friends, outside of the context of obligations?

·         What was the last thing I did for self-improvement and the pursuit of higher knowledge?

·         How long has it been since I unplugged from social media and connected with real people?

·         What was the last hobby or personal interest I’ve pursued?

·         When was my most recent physical activity?

·         Where have I been outside my daily travel route?

When I have a hard time remembering or there has been a long time has passed, I know that that particular area likely needs maintenance. It may in fact already be broken. What is your maintenance routine? What would you add to this checklist?

A Few Thoughts on Leaving a Legacy

I think about death. Not in a scary way but in a “what’s on the other side” way. Yes, I believe I’ll go to heaven but what will be left of me here on Earth. Will I leave a mark? Will it be known that I was here? That’s what I think about.

I’ve had the honor of helping to write the last words about some loved ones over the last few years. I’ll admit, it was HARD. I questioned whether I was writing the right thing. Did I capture the essence of who they were and the work that they did adequately? And the truth of the matter is that it would have been so much easier if they’d told me what to say. J

So many times we as women walk around as representatives of ourselves. We morph into various roles so much so that when the real us shows up, she’s foreign. And I wonder about the mark our representative is leaving. There’s been a lot of talk and thought around me about legacy. But the true question is, are we creating our own legacy or is someone else creating it for us. Here are 5 things to think about as you consider your legacy track:

1.       When people encounter me, is it really me or a representative?

2.       Is what I’m doing helpful to someone else? Or, my greatest contribution to humanity thus far has been?

3.       If I leave this earth today am I certain that I have tapped and emptied my talent veins? I have done my best with everything I have been given?

4.       Complete the phrase: When people think of me, I hope they remember…

5.       Fill in the blank: The person(s) that live with me will say _____ about me.

I am here and full. Full of life, gifts, talents and treasures. I’ve been selfish – bending under the guise of being overwhelmed. But I mustn’t break and fail to produce. I am compelled, no obligated to explore the bounds of my creative output. I want to be empty – totally poured out. Sharing and giving – leaving a mark of meaning on all that I encounter.