When I was younger, I always made time for me. This was probably because I had no real responsibilities. But I always had time to go get manicure or a pedicure, or to take a hot relaxing bath and make sure my legs were shaved, exfoliated and moisturized. I always had time to paint my nails or to spend the evening conditioning my hair and giving myself a pedicure.
Time like that is a rarity for me these days. If I’m not working, planning, teaching, cleaning or spending QT with my husband, pups and family, I’m sleeping. The older you get, the more hectic life becomes and the more important having some kind of self-care ritual becomes.
For me, in the midst of what already was chaos, I also am teaching yoga. I am teaching this powerful tool that inspires others and here I am sometimes finding myself uninspired. I am portraying that I totally have my shit together, when in all honesty, sometimes I’m just flying by the seat of my pants. Becoming a teacher was the best thing I could do. But is also takes time away from me. You learn to get your inspiration and “me time” in other ways and yet somehow it never feels like it's quite enough. Having a great mentor is one of the best things to help with this. However, I've also found taking the time for yourself; whether it’s setting a pamper night or signing up for a yoga class with your favorite instructor.
Now, don't get me wrong. I don't take what I do for granted OR wish I didn't do it. I absolutely LOVE what I do. In a way, the 'high' I get before and after teaching a class is part of my self care. It literally is the best feeling in the whole entire world that I am so grateful I get to experience.
My point is though; it's not just being a yoga teacher. Regardless of what you do professionally (but especially if you are in an industry where you take care of others) or what you do for a hobby, You have GOT to do something to nurture yourself because the truth is – we can’t even begin to help people if we don’t help ourselves first.
Sure, this may sound selfish, but it’s the same reason the flight attendant instructs you to put on your oxygen mask before helping your neighbor with theirs.
How can we expect others to be able to drink from our cup if our cups aren’t full?
I won't lie to you. It's a hard thing to do! But it isn't impossible.