“The greatest gift you can give somebody is your own personal development. I used to say, ‘If you will take care of me, I will take care of you.’ Now I say, ‘I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me.’ ”
— Jim Rohn
We all have people in our lives we care about. Whether it’s a partner, our children, a family member or even a complete stranger. People we would do anything for — just say what you need me to do and I’ll do it!
The act of giving is a part of our well-being. But the greatest gift to those who really care about you is being a better you. Whether it be having more “me time,” more time for exercise, breaking a bad habit or just making a change to be a happier, more vibrant you — that’s what keeps the world a better place.
So many of us with great intentions get caught up in the demands of life and forget to sit back, reassess and revamp to suit our own needs. We sacrifice our selves due to financial demands, children necessities, or to take care of someone who really “needs us.”
Sacrificing your potential or your own health, whether it be mentally, emotionally, nutritionally or spiritually, doesn’t serve anybody.
Time to get yourself in check.
Ask yourself how much of your day is spent performing actions that inspire you, ignite your spark or give you energy rather than depleting it? Marcus Buckingham, author of The One Thing you Need to Know, would tell you that if 70 per cent of your day is not spent on inspiring activities, or things that make you feel that confident, authentic feeling, something needs to change. He would tell you to ruthlessly eradicate the negative from your life — even if it’s just your perspective.
Now, of course, this sounds like one of those things that seem easier said than done, but really — is it?
Let’s take a look.
How much money do you really need?
How is that bad habit taking away from your potential?
What could you sell?
Who could watch the kids for you while you hit up a yoga class?
What time can you get up to have some you time in the morning?
What would be another way you could earn your living?
Do you need a life coach? A nutritionist?
What is it you really like doing? What are you good at?
A man named Martin Parnell, local to Alberta, at 47 years of age sold everything he had and learned how to run. He completed 250 marathons in one year to raise money to fund children to play sports. Two hundred and 50 marathons in one year. He was biking in Africa and saw how kids playing sports lit them up and decided he wanted to be a part of it.
Those kids ignited his change. Who is igniting yours?
Remember — you don’t have to give up your life and change everything. Just be good to yourself so you can be a better person to others. Who are those people you love so much? Because I bet those people love you just as much.
Don’t you think they deserve a better you? Kristin Fraser, BSc, is a holistic nutritionist and local freelance writer. Her column appears every second Wednesday. She can be reached at kristin@somethingtochewon.ca.