Episode Transcript
Are you looking out for yourself? As we go about our everyday lives, are we prioritizing the most important thing, namely ourselves?
Many of us have children, mates, and workplace obligations that are important. But what can we do effectively for others when we require maintenance?
I become oblivious to other things when I focus on desires or obligations. Although an obsessive focus is a powerful tool for getting things done, it is an equally powerful influence to neglect important self-care.
Recently, I decided to branch out into a companion venture. Everything was going great, and I had a fun and productive event. All of a sudden, I didn't want to continue.
The need to do nothing has happened before, so I wasn't worried. I always work in one capacity or another, so taking off is understandable. It is often a necessity. I found myself still reading but lost interest in everything else.
Unfortunately, this seemed like I was heading for disaster. I have publishing deadlines and project completions for more significant undertakings. I always try to show myself compassion and empathy, so I give myself plenty of personal space.
After a week with no change, I figured it was time to investigate what was happening. Everything had been going very well. My eating, resting, production, and exercising were on point. And my new ventures were shaping up nicely. So, what the heck was wrong?
I recently finished listening to "The Million Dollar" podcast and have been surfing different platforms and media sources to gain information and insight from people with exceptional skills in specific areas.
I couldn't find any reason for me to become dormant suddenly. I wasn't feeling stressed or burned out. My investigation could have been more helpful. Now, I was concerned. I specialize in human behavior. Creating fulfillment is my vocation, calling, and life purpose.
Had I finally encountered something that was clearly beyond my understanding in my field? Of course, this shook me to the core. Was I losing my touch? How could I feel confident helping others if I couldn't help myself?
I know that comparison is an energy killer. The worst thing you can do is compare your start with someone else's finish. When we read about people's successes, we often omit their failures and the years they took.
I avoid these articles because everyone's journey is unique. I was thinking of myself in circles because I couldn't put my finger on it. Then, it began to become apparent. I would wake up each day with a clearer head and a more optimistic outlook. I was not feeling negative; I just wasn't on point.
As each day came and left, I decided to do more. I began feeling excited again, then back to full-fledged enthusiasm. The yard needed working on, and I found being in contact with the earth, absorbing the sunshine, and breathing the fresh air was a living miracle.
Then everything fell into place. In life, it is fantastic to achieve our goals. A large bank account is a greater comfort than an empty one. A successful business or work venture is rewarding. Possessions, trinkets, and shiny things can be captivating.
But in contrast, without personal well-being, these things are nothing. If you relentlessly pursue worldly objectives without personal care, you will spend a lot of time with mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical ailments. We will take vacations because our lives are toxic. Drinking, smoking, harmful habits, thoughts, and people will drive us to the brink of insanity while medication fogs up our minds so we cannot feel the madness we inflict on ourselves.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." I thank God for this simple revelation. I needed the time to do nothing. My nothing time is more important than the doing time.
I wasn't taught this in an academic environment. The books I read tell me to find ways to achieve, dream, aspire, and execute. The system tells me I should never stop, quit, grow, learn, and don't waste a moment. I open my emails, and everyone tells me to do more, get more, and want more.
But I look in their faces and eyes and read between the lines. You see the tolerated neglect from their spouses and families—the psychiatrist, counseling, and mental issue occurrences.
I am not passing judgment. If these sacrifices are worth it, don't let anyone tell you differently.
But I have grown used to being peaceful, content, healthy, and happy while still being productive. Of course, my choice doesn't have to be yours.
I never tell people what to do, even clients. However, I have found things that work for me and have worked for hundreds of others. Recorded observations, research, and questioning reveal the same things I have embraced as my own.
We have many responsibilities besides ourselves, but what can we do well without absolute well-being? You may have to start with baby steps. Please start now and start somewhere. Because if you do not give yourself the nothing time you need, your mind and body will take it.
The time our minds and bodies take can be an off-day, a slight sore throat, an altercation, a hospital stay, or a permanent stop in the graveyard. Let's use prevention because the cure may not be something we want to deal with.
Be the best version of you so you can experience the life of the best version of you.
Well, my friends, until next time, remember to practice conscious, helpful actions and controlled breathing. Love Yourself. You are Not Alone. You are relevant and worthy.
How About that?
