Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

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www.jamesharryman2002.wix.com/allenjamesbooks

For August 6th we read from The Journey: A Calendar Book,

"Don't ignore yourself" (James, 2012).

Bammm..... Today's reading hits most of us directly in the face, and not lightly.  Although many look at others and make the supposition everyone is selfish, consumed with themselves, slaves to self gratification and self-love; the truth if far from perception.

Throughout my 25 years in private practice there have been only a few "buzz" words, and although I COULD take the time to name them, I'll not here; but I will note the one which is applicable to today's reading...SELF ESTEEM.  We've heard about it for the past 20 years so much most are desensitized to its importance.  In therapy low self-esteem accounts for 99% of patients' complaints; many times with their being oblivious to its effect on their lives.

While it appears the human race is self-serving, the reality is we ignore ourselves much of the time.
Most of us were reared with the belief self-care was somehow selfish. The belief I took on without realizing it was the best people were the ones who sacrificed their needs and happiness for the needs of others.

Again, actually, the opposite is true. Neglecting ourselves has a negative flow-on effect to our families and others around us. The people in our life will pick up on our discontent. We don’t want to admit it, but at times we will feel resentment towards those closest to us – our children and maybe our partner or others, if we’re neglecting our self-care. It can feel like all we do is give. Instead of being mindful and happy, we seek escape through things which take us out of the present moment. Or it will come out through illness.

But if we want to live our best life, we’ve got to get out of this victim mentality and take responsibility for our own well-being and happiness. Only we have the power to change things if we’re not feeling happy and fulfilled. Nobody is going to do it for us and it’s only a matter of time before we realize playing the long-suffering role doesn’t pay. We must stop wasting precious time! Our life and our family are a gift and time is precious.

If we’re stressed out, run-down, rushed or neglected, we’re not going to be the best we can be for our families, or anyone else. We know this, yet why do we struggle to find the time to take care of ourselves? Resistance and outdated beliefs, is the answer to this question!  As challenging as it can seem, we do actually have some choices around how we spend our time and if we make self-care a top priority (as it should be), it is possible to find pockets of time in the day to do something for ourselves.

“Indulging” in daily self-care isn’t easy when we have so many demands on us daily and live in a world constantly pulling us away from being present and intentional. But without it, we end up feeling unfulfilled and even resentful.  What if we allowed ourselves to be joyful and present?
It’s about taking time to nurture our body, mind and spirit. It’s doing the things to make US feel happy and fulfilled. It does take some effort and a little discipline, but the results are worth it.

It’s quite simple, but it isn’t easy! Because we so often resist the things best for us: living mindfully, clean eating, doing other things to make us feel amazing; such as yoga, meditation and exercise. Finding an outlet for our creativity is super-important, as well as feeding our minds to enrich our soul and enable us to grow.

So how about setting an intention to start with a new aspect of daily self-care? There is always something, no matter how small, we can all start doing each day for ourselves? Sharing our intention publicly will help you in making a stronger commitment!

Don't ignore yourself, and of course, keep looking up.  : )   AJ