mindful selfishness

an excerpt from a longer article I’ve written and seek to have published -

In thinking about the whirlwind of what-evers that sweep me up and either keep me swirling or drop me into my own personal Oz, I sometimes feel like there isn’t enough time to do all that is immediately in front of me much less get to the dreams I envision for the future. What I know for sure is, the minute I begin making progress with the to do’s on my calendar, a “seemingly” more urgent something appears via text, email, or phone call or the front door of my home office needs fixing because the house landed on the wicked witch! The more I do, the more there is to do, an exasperation expressed not only by me but also by others.

There’s a quote I use when conducting mindfulness or caring for the caregiver sessions that talks about not be able to pour from an empty cup. So many of us fail to grasp the fact that for mental, physical and emotional health, we need and deserve restful time intervals separate and distinct from those associated with sleep, yet way too many of us give ourselves permission to take them. This concept of mindful selfishness* that I suggest doesn’t come from a place of negativity rather a place of necessity. In order to operate with an efficiency that keeps us motivated instead of draining our energy, we must pay attention to what our mind, body, soul, spirit and hearts are telling us then take action when they speak. Every now and again it is in our best interest to step away from the electronics, turn off the phone, close our ears to others with their needs, requests, and problems, and even take a time out from caring for loved ones with health issues. Mindful selfishness is really not about being selfish at all. In fact, it’s about acknowledging the need for and taking the time to focus on self care in order to fill ourselves back up, plain and simple. 

And, oh yeah, no broom from the wicked is required to obtain it, so get selfish and… 

keep your peepers open!

*NOTE: I introduced the concept of mindful selfishness in passing during a conversation exactly one month ago today and decided I better get my thoughts out there before someone else puts their spin on it!

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