Lately I have found myself attempting to finish everything else before I begin my own priorities. The things that nourish and sustain me are met with delays. Especially during the holidays, there is always one more thing for someone else. However, if you are forever putting everyone else’s needs before your own, you just might never get to your own goals. Therefore, I am going to suggest the practice of honoring yourself first. Because the world will always have needs. The things that make life worth living are worth our time and investment.

By honoring ourselves first we are not saying that the other projects, plans, and people in our lives are not important. We are acknowledging that our needs are most important to us. Just as everyone else’s priorities are most important to them. The key is to remember that your priorities come first. We may never finish the millions of projects and ideas that percolate in our minds constantly. We need not add any more to our plates.

The goal is not to honor ourselves so that we have more energy to honor everyone else. Or that we do this in order to do that better. It is simply a healthy practice to be attentive to our own needs. To be focused on our bodies, our mental health, our selves. The world is quick to fill our schedules with obligations. What are the simple pleasures that you need? What gifts of attention, time, or resources, and pleasures can you give to yourself? 

Instead of rushing to accomplish tasks for everyone else first – what steps can we take to fill ourselves up? These are big questions but often the answers are often surprisingly simple. We need a midmorning break for hot tea. We need to write out an agenda for the day, having that tool helps us to stay mentally on track. Honor yourself first and see how your life blossoms. The day feels more yours instead of just a list of events and tasks completed.

How are you looking after yourself? What small adjustment to your daily schedule would feel better for you?

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