Just like that, we have embarked on a brand new year. During this time, it’s usually common for people to start setting some goals for themselves. Last year, I wrote a post about how specific your health goals are. Now I’m going to share how we all could do a better job of being there for ourselves. Most of us women usually have a problem with doing this sort of thing. If this describes you, I’m going to share what is being there for yourself exactly means, how you can go about doing this, why it’s important, and share some examples of how you can take action in doing this year.
What Does it Mean to Be There for Yourself?
It’s human nature for all of us to be concerned about our loved ones ahead of ourselves. Whether you have young children or a sick, elderly parent, you want to make sure they’re taken care of because they usually can’t do it on their own. But when you’re doing a good job in taking care of them and you feel mentally or physically unhealthy, this isn’t a good thing. This means that you’re not being there for yourself.
To be there for yourself involves making sure you’re content and happy. It means taking care of your needs and wants first before looking after someone else. How are you going to take care of someone else if you can’t take care of yourself? It’s important to make sure your mental and physical health is accounted for. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to provide for someone else.
How Can I Be There for Myself?
Many of us have always wondered the answer to that question. How can I make sure my needs are taken care of before I worry about other’s needs? The short answer to this question is to set aside some time to figure out your needs by writing them down. Once you’ve done this, take the necessary steps to fulfill those needs. Be sure to break these steps down into bite-sized smaller steps so they won’t feel so overwhelming for you.
It’s also vital to check in with yourself and show yourself some love. Take some time off from work. Do certain things that bring you joy and happiness. When checking in with yourself, ask yourself: “Am I experiencing signs and symptoms of poor mental health?,” “How am I feeling?,” or “Is there something I need to do to rejuvenate my energy level? By analyzing yourself, you’re performing the process of being there for yourself.
Why is it Important to Give Importance to Yourself?
Making your loved ones a priority is important. However, it’s also vital to make you a priority. How are you really feeling? Could you be better than how you’re feeling right now? Giving importance to yourself could be a healthy thing, not a selfish one. You’ll start to recognize your limits and certain things you could tolerate. When you don’t give importance to yourself, you’ll fail at being a better person for those around you.
How Can You Be There for Yourself This Year?
If you didn’t think you did a good job at being there for yourself in 2023, now’s the time to do so this year. Take some brief time in your day to outline what aspects of your health you need to work on. Is it your mental, physical, or spiritual health? Analyze some specific things you feel needs improvement. Are you always fatigued or low on energy? Is your blood pressure too high? Are you taking your time to read, meditate, and apply the scriptures found in God’s Word? These are just some examples of things we can analyze about ourselves. By asking yourself questions like these and similar ones, you’ll be taking action to be there for yourself this year and beyond.
What steps are you taking to be there for yourself this year? How are you making sure you’re okay before taking care of others? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next woman you know who’s striving to show up for herself.
