How do I summarize a journey that has taken me 365 days and carried me 3026.5 miles?
The simple idea that I thought I could devote some time from every day for me. That thought started as 100 runs and quickly became 100 days. As a full time working often solo-parenting mom I allowed my own lack of priorities in myself to give me the mind set that I couldn't even envision making it 100 days.
Until I did.
Those first 100 days showed me that I was setting the wrong example. I was showing my family that I had to squeeze myself in around all my other responsibilities. That is not what I wanted to teach my children. That is not what I want to be showing my husband.
I know that I am made better in all my other roles by giving a portion of my day, everyday, to myself.
I needed to "pay myself first."
I needed to "pay myself first."
I set my eyes on a place that I couldn't quite see but I knew was out there. 365 days. A place where I had a priority in my own life. Not that I was more important than my children, my husband, my work, my faith but that I was at least equally important. I simply took this new attitude one day at a time. Now 365 days later I see my time differently and so does my family. Instead of feeling like I am taking from my responsibilities I feel as though I am creating a better me to handle them. When I woke on day # 366 it wasn't a question of whether there would be time in my day for me, I knew that before I could give to others I first had to give to me.
Paying Yourself First doesn't have to mean running or even exercising every day, although I believe we each need to do that, it means giving yourself time, everyday. Time to pray, to read, to study, to sleep, to sew, to craft, to paint, to sit on a swing and not push anyone. Time to grow and recharge the person you are so that you have more to give to those who depend on you.
I have much more to share about my experience over these days but for now I'll leave you with this question,
Are you ready to commit to Paying Yourself First?
This post is dead on. It's so important to take care of yourself. Personally, I think it's SO MUCH easier for me having no kids compared to what I see from my friends who are mothers. But mine is basically the same as yours - exercise each day!
ReplyDeleteI love this post- I am so glad I have been able to follow this journey!
ReplyDelete"At least equally important"
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly where I need to be...as soon as we are out of the newborn stage. This will be the summer of equal importance :-D
3.6.5. WHAT an accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff today!! Just great!
So great! Amen! I think you are right on! We devote so much time to everyone else, we must devote to ourselves too! While I haven't done 365 days of willingness...I have come to a place where I recharge myself and take time for myself every day and it no longer feels selfish! It feels great and my family appreciates it!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!!!
So happy for you. Awesome way to devote yourself to the Lord as well! We often feel we cannot squeeze it in the day.... you have proven us all wrong!
ReplyDeleteWay to Go sista!
Congrats on your year of paying yourself first! I love the intention here, and also love that you paid yourself in miles.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey...I'm so glad I've been there to watch you through all this. So exciting.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know what to say. Congratulations just doesn't seem appropriate -
ReplyDeleteYour post was dead on - placing our selves - not above everyone else in our life - but at least equally is only fair.
Thanks for sharing your year with us!
I absolutely believe in it....and it is a lot because of your "streak". But what I've taken away from this is exactly what you stated....paying yourself first looks different for everyone. And I appreciate that in you!
ReplyDeleteAwesome - 365 is amazing, Shelly! You are such an inspiration to me. I appreciate your post today and your wisdom every day. Life is not perfect but we should make the most of it! Congratulations!
ReplyDeletelove the post, and i'm ready to commit!
ReplyDeletehttp://beboldrunwild.blogspot.com/
You made it! Don't ever underestimate the achievement you've made - every single day for a year being committed to a goal. I'm sure you'll never forget the lessons you've learnt from it.
ReplyDeleteThe only way to roll, if you ask me! Congrats on 365!!
ReplyDeleteWow. Speechless. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! That's so awesome. I'm not at a place where taking time for myself means running (or even working out) daily but I definitely like time to myself, to clear my head, to breathe. :) There's an article in April or May's Runner's World that's along these lines, too.
ReplyDeletejeez. you are simply amazing. what an awesome accomplishment!!
ReplyDeleteLove this - congrast on 365+ days and everything it has brought to your life :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats again on your incredible year. Paying yourself first is a great way to phrase what we do for ourselves; it ties right in there with a tired dog is a good dog and a busy child is a happy child. We have to give to ourselves so that we can also give to our families.
ReplyDeletecongratulations!! and very well written.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 365!!! It's been awesome watching you on this journey! You are such an inspiration and I love this post!
ReplyDeleteYou are so completely right. You are equally important, It can be hard to find time for oneself when there is so much else going on in a day, but it is the most important time of the day. A friend of mine loves the saying that we cannot draw from an empty well. Without taking time for yourself then you have little or nothing to give. Thanks for being such an inspiration.
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