Dialog Day: Loving Ourselves

Today, I went to the gynecologist.  <<<GASP, I cannot believe I just told you that!!!>> 

Of all the dates on my calendar, of all the tasks on my to-do list, of all the things I would rather just ignore, this is by far one of the least pleasant activities of the year.  But as I uncomforatbly lay there in a flimsy paper gown, with my legs freshly shaven, and my stocking feet in the stirups I acknowledged the importance of these yearly check-ups.  And it made me think.  It made me wonder.  It made me question:

Why is it so easy to put everyone else's health, safety, happiness, and well-being in front of our own?

You know that you do it too.  Your children, your spouse, your parents, your boss, your friends....they come first.  No matter how tired, worn-down or sick you are, you always make sure that their needs are met.  You have to, it is your duty as a wife/mother/daughter/friend.  I liken it to a disease, a disorder of the self.  I know that I can't help it, it is just a natural instinct.  Make sure everyone is fed, got enough to drink? need a napkin?  oops, forgot the salt.  butter? sure, I'll get it.  And by the time I sit down at the table, the meal is nearly done.

I don't know if it is a mothering instinct, a need to please or just insanity, but I do it.  And I see other women doing it all the time too.

This weekend, I hope that you can all find time to take care of yourself.  Do something that nourishes your soul.  Something that makes you happy.  Go for a walk, exercise, meditate.  Eat a wholesome meal by yourself and savor in the food, the drink, the quiet.  Heck, make an appointment for a hair cut, a massage, even with your gynecologist....just do something for yourself.  YOU DESERVE IT.

Tanaya Greiter http://tanayasjourney.blogspot.com

Comments

[miss*R]

so good to hear that you are making sure you have your yearly gyn. checkup - I had cervical cancer and the treatment is no picnic, let me tell you - this is a soap box topic of mine * I will get off now :)

[Tammy]

Great post Tanaya!! And so important - not only taking care of our health (which I'm SO not good at) but doing things for ourselves that make us happy.

I'm taking myself out tonight... going to dinner, some shopping, and a movie. All on my own! YAY! I'm looking forward to it!

[Georgia]

Good idea:) I actually should schedule a trip to the gyno... I have only been once in my life... I was 19 and was about to get married... I wanted to get on birth control... Now I am going to be 27 in a month and I have never been back even once. I have had 3 kids and still never been. I had them all at home, so my midwife did a few paps over the years... but still. Meh. :) I don't look forward to it, but it is important. I also want to start walking again, at least 3 times a week...

Now I am off to flip through the phone book.

xoxo

[Melba]

For a long time I was angry that I was the caregiver. As the youngest of 4...and parents going through a divorce when I was 6...I often felt No One took care of me. So of course I repeated this pattern my whole life. I constantly find people to take care of while I am screaming inside "Why aren't you taking care of me!"
This even happened with my husband. He has 5 sisters...he was taken care of his whole life. and now with two yound children it has been a struggle for me to not feel angry (when will it be my turn!) But with lots of soul searching through journaling I have come to appreciate the fact that I can take care of myself. And to ask for what I need. I am still working on the asking part.

Thanks for this post Tanaya and the reminder that I (and we) all deserve it!

[0cean]

Thanks, I was thinking about that today! I'm gonna try. :)