Read that again……how does it resonate for you? As busy mums (and dads) we often dream of those hours to ourselves where we can do nothing…..yet when we get them we feel compelled to fill that time with stuff, or we feel bad for taking that time!
In my clinics recently I have been talking to mainly mums, who do this. Everything is about work, kids, other half…you name it, it’s there, with us as an individual at the bottom of the priority list. We are human doings rather than human beings!
Some patients have then proceeded to off load – which is great! I feel honoured that you feel safe to do so….but then you say sorry!!!! What are you sorry for??? Being human? Stop apologising for being you!! I joke that I will introduce a sorry jar – a bit like a swear jar, for every time I hear the word sorry 20p goes in there. I could be onto a tidy profit come the end of the year!
So let’s think about this for a while……When was the last time you did something for you…Purely you? Are you, like me, having niggles which you put off being sorted as we just don’t have the time? Before we know it that niggle has turned into something more, it’s taking on a different character, we are noticing it is stopping us from doing what we enjoy! Yet, life still gets in the way and we persevere, until one day….it goes! Usually after doing the most medial of tasks….mine ironically was turning to tell the kids to behave as they were playing up in the car! Bang! That sharp excruciating pain that brought tears to my eyes! It forced me to go and get treatment. Had I taken that time beforehand to get a treatment it probably wouldn’t have taken as long to heal and get better…..but I put everyone else’s needs above my own, feeling guilty for even thinking about taking some time for me.
Another patient recently came for treatment. I had been working on her son after some postpartum issues, having spoken with mum and picking up on a few things, I invited her to have a treatment. She was at first anxious, would it hurt? What about the baby, all manner of reasons as to why she shouldn’t. However, she came and as baby played she had a treatment. The imbalance through her shoulder was addressed in a gentle, non-invasive way….in her words….I had forgotten what it felt like to feel relaxed! She left happy, if mama’s happy baby is happy!
So….where am I going with this? We rarely take time to just do something for ourselves. So what is stopping you from doing so? You cannot serve from an empty cup and self care is not selfish….it’s essential!
Take care guys
Em x