“Originally appeared in BIZCATALYST360, June 07, 2020(edited)”
Be quick, but don’t hurry.
~John Wooden
'Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city..” But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish...away from the presence of the LORD.' - Jonah 1-3
Daily Drive: Be appreciative with goodness because many situations appear different than I think they should be, it is important to guard my thoughts and feelings well.
My first step is not to step
Learning my first step was not to step for extreme self care in everyday living took time
Actually, it took me took a handful of years. I had embraced most of the leadership roles throughout my life. Some of the roles gave me a lot of energy and joy, but some did not. My extreme self care took a hit. Those roles I resisted. Similar to Jonah, I tried to flee. As a result, there were times when I too sat under a plant being angry, sad, and fearful because I wanted the situations in my life to be different.
Extreme Self Care in everyday living
Push pause and reflect
I reflect back on challenging times like those in my life. I can now see the good that has come out of them. How so? Because I have done the hard work and have taken the time to pause and reflect. I have been willing to be vulnerable and answer tough questions. For example, who do I want to be? What do I really truly enjoy and what do I really want to do? An equally important question is, what do I not want? Who do I not want to be? Pursuing being appreciative with goodness because stopping, and appreciating the good in my life positively impacts my extreme self care – nurturing my mind, body, and spirit.
Jesus models the power of Extreme Self Care throughout the bible
The day John the Baptist died
Upon hearing of John the Baptist’s death, Jesus withdrew to a desolate place by Himself. Matthew 4:13 But when the crowds heard where he went they followed him. Surrounding him and he let them. First, we read that Jesus pushed his pause button – he withdrew. Second, he prayed going to a desolate place connecting with God. Third, He did not send the people away and say I am having a bad day, he began healing the sick tomorrow. Jesus paused and then stepped into his Purpose. He walked forward healing the sick and feeding the five thousand. Afterward, Jesus paused again, taking the time to refill: ‘And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.’ -Matthew 14:23
Extreme Self Care in everyday living
3 Steps to consider
- Push Pause
- Put away phones, computers, turn off the T.V. – slow your mind, clear your mental space.
- Wait
- Connect inward and refill, pray, manage your thoughts, feelings, words, and behaviors well.
- Walk Forward – live your purpose
- ‘Why do you exist’
- ‘Why you do, what you do’
Taking steps and investing in your Extreme Self-Care is one of the best investments you can make…every day!
Sara