08th January, 2023
The greatest gift you can give yourself is a little bit of your own attention.” ~Anthony J. D’Angelo
Recently a friend told me, “You’ve earned a vacation.” Then I realised and asked myself, “Should a vacation be earned?”
Everyone deserves to relax and rejoice after some hard work. Time off isn’t a trophy for burning out. The pursuit of happiness is a right not a reward.
We need to gift ourselves these small time-offs. Now and then it is good to pause in our pursuit of goals and just chill and be happy.
The official term is called “self-gifting” and it’s a way to self-validate – To tell the world and yourself that you deserve joy.
Psychological studies even show that taking care of your own well-being makes you more inclined to do good works and be altruistic.
We often put ourselves last on our to-do list.
But it’s important to take care of your well-being and to recharge your batteries first in order to be at your best to give to others.
Find ways to you nurture your body and nourish your mind. Take the rest you need to not burn yourself out. After all, you are the caretaker of your body and life. No one can do this for you.
When you allow yourself to have moments to unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with yourself, you will be more productive, have more energy, and feel happier, which will result in fostering better relationships while reducing your stress levels.
In Dr Meg Jay’s TED talk, she offers twenty-somethings a piece of advice—to invest in “identity capital,” something that adds value to who you are and who you want to be.
I feel this point is applicable to people of all ages. One of the best gifts you can give yourself is to learn more about yourself.
Give yourself the permission to explore and really get to know who you are. Discover what you like and don’t like. This will help you set your standards and boundaries, which are hopefully aligned with your values, so that you can create the life you want.
Another important gift to
give yourself is the gift of following your dreams. Do what you love; do what is important for you.
In order for you to live a fulfilled and meaningful life, you have to live it yourself. So don’t wait until it’s too late. Find the courage and willpower to live a life true to yourself, and spend your time doing what counts for you.
As Wayne Dyer famously said, “Don’t die with your music still in you.”
This Sunday, at the start of this wonderful year, give yourself the amazing gifts you deserve and Stay blessed Forever.