Feel Good: Put Yourself First…You're Worth it!
I was driving home one evening with my radio cranked, when a song I’ve played on my radio show for years consumed me. It struck a nerve like Chicken Little dodging elimination on American Idol.
As I was singing along to Jaheim’s “Put that Woman First,” (hey what women doesn’t want to sing at the top of her lungs…you better put that women first!) I had to ponder on the thought, when was the last time I did something for myself? Hummm… for a few hours on my birthday, about 10 minutes last night during my shower, right now during my ride home. Through my quick analysis, I discovered I had not put myself first in a long time.
You know ladies; we were born to be nurturers. We put everyone and everything in the forefront of our lives; our children, our men, our jobs, our friends, and our family. It is time ladies that we put ourselves on center stage in the production of our lives. And truly set the stage for truly living abundantly.
I thought living abundantly meant being a super-wife, super-mom, super-friend, super-daughter, super-radio host and skillfully multi-tasking everything on my to-do list. I was the actress, director, and producer of my one-woman show thinking I was doing it. I may have gotten everything completed by the end of the day, but I was run down and stressed out. That’s no way for a Working Diva to conquer the world.
Now when the opening credits roll at the beginning of my day, I start with a shorter to-do list and less time giving of myself to everyone and everything. This gives me time to catch up with my sister friends, write in my journal after two years, or lay out on my balcony and just chill. There is nothing wrong with taking an intermission. ME TIME anyone?
Don’t let another day go by without at least giving yourself time to energize or regroup. A restful mind is a productive mind. Don’t let the curtain close on your day before you have had the chance to give to yourself.
So, that same day once I arrived home… I poured myself a glass of White Merlot, toasted to myself…and took center stage. Thanks Jaheim!
Now when the credits roll your day…what will you say you’ve done for yourself?
Karen Vaughn is the founder of the Working Divas Blog. A lifestyle blog that is geared towards work/life balance for women. She is an awarding winning Radio Personality who is currently the evening host on Star 99.7 in Charleston and has worked in Miami, Indianapolis, Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Follow Karen On Twitter @ www.twitter.com/karenvaughn
Category: Karen Today, Motivation and Inspiration
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About the Author (Author Profile)
Karen Vaughn is an awarding winning Media Personality who hosts “The Karen Vaughn Show” on 93.1-WZAK in Cleveland, Star 99.7 in Charleston, and The Flo 102.9 in Florence’ and founder of the Working Divas Blog. She has worked in Miami, Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Follow Karen On Twitter @karenvaughn
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- uberVU - social comments | October 25, 2009
That was well put sista. I’ve learned a long time ago that life goes on, with or without you. Why should I stress myself out and make myself sick trying to make everyone else happy, when in the end, I’m not? I truely believe that there’s not time like me time. Try it at least once or twice a week. You will feel so much better, inside and out.
Wow, I really needed to hear that. I had a Early birthday party this weekend, and it made me realize a lot of things. How I am always giving and doing my all for everyone and when the shoe is on the other foot, I get a bunch of excuses. I am going to learn to put me first. Some family members said that I don’t have my priorities in order because I had a party. That is something I wanted to do for myself. Well my point is that I am going to start living for me, doing more for Lisa. Thanks you always bring on the right things at the right time.
I will try your advice also Kenitha, sounds like a good plan. I will keep you posted. Thanks again.
Always on time!
Lisa, your life should be a party. Enjoy, be blessed, and by all means take care of you. Love ya my sister!
I loved this post so much. I work out daily but I recently decided that everyday at the end of my workout I am going to do some breathing excersises to calm me down and get centered and ready to start my day…oh and I made a vision board filled with goals and my fave motivating words to look at everyday. I know how cheezy am I right lol!
Happy SITS Sharefest!
LOVE THIS:
“Don’t let another day go by without at least giving yourself time to energize or regroup. A restful mind is a productive mind. Don’t let the curtain close on your day before you have had the chance to give to yourself.”
It is so easy to forget…I am going to put that on my frig!
Holly @ 504 Main
What a great post : ) Totally wonderful to read. I am popping over from SITS and I am so glad that I did! Hope your week is wonderful and filled with many moments of me time!
I think all women, especially mother’s, struggle with guilt about putting themselves first. I know it’s a constant battle for me that leaves me looking like a mix between Osama Bin Laden and Don King with the bushy eyebrows and bad hair to prove it. I recently went on a trip to Vegas with my BF to enjoy the SITScation bloggin conference (and the Justin Timberlake concert, woot!) and it was the best thing I’ve done for myself since my first child leaped from my uterus nearly 8 years ago. I told myself I was gonna dedicate more time to myself because I felt so much better while I was there, but when I came home to a dirty house, dirty kids, and dirty looks (from my children, not even my husband) my resolve to focus on myself was shaken. Now that I’ve been back a while I’m convinced that it needs to happen again ASAP! Thanks for your inspiring words!
I totally understand how your feel about coming home to chaos! Continue to find time to take for yourself. Don’t let arriving home take away your joy. You know what to expect. This is what I do…when I come home…I go straight to my bedroom and relax for another 20 mins to an hour before cleaning up after everyone. And I make them help me!!! I am a superwoman and mom but I need the superkid and superdad to help too!