I mentioned a few weeks ago that recently I have had a series of events that have made me stop and take a look at my life. In the past three months I have had an aneurism scare, a bad mammogram, and test results that indicate I may have rheumatoid arthritis. Let me tell you that just the first thing is enough to get you thinking about your life! But by the time you have gone through multiple things that make you evaluate whether or not you will be happy if you had only a short time to live you are making plans that involve serious change! I haven’t done a good job of taking care of myself, I work way too many hours in a week, I only sleep 4 hours a night, I rarely have time to eat, and when I do it’s usually driving through somewhere on my way to and from work. And exercise? Forget about it. Never had the time for it, and if I did have time, I spent it with my family or sleeping. I have decided I need to do something for myself.
One thing I love to do is watch Biggest Loser. I relate to so much of what they are expressing. I kept saying that I would love to do this, but how? I thought there would be no way with my schedule. Finally last November I decided to look into places that did this type of thing (there was no way I was going to do it on TV!). I found a place in Utah that does this and signed up – for a whole month, beginning January 3, 2010!!
The more people I talk to, the more I realize that this is common with women. We often sacrifice ourselves for the ones we love and to help others. I think it is so important that not only I, but that we all make a shift in our thinking, that I have decided that the whole Shop will be focused this year on our “Craft Your Life” program. Each month will have a unique theme to help us all focus on and accomplish this together. January’s theme is “Do something for yourself”. Maybe soak in a hot bubble bath once a week, commit to drinking more water, go for a walk with the one you love, get a massage, a manicure, a pedicure, or better yet get ALL three. Think about it, what is the thing you love to do that makes you feel great but you just don’t take the time to do…then DO IT and share your experience with us…I’ll be sharing mine!
Carie:
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I’ve enjoyed each and everyone of your blogs. I encourage you on your time in Utah and the following time for yourself when you return.
As women we do tend to put everyone else first. We ignore our bodies, hobbies and desires in life.
When my kids grew up I endeavored to take care of me and my hobbies and desires in life. It’s tough to balance and I still get out of sorts but I keep trying keep the balance.
This is the journey of life.
Thank you….
Carrie C.
Good luck Carie, Please “do” take care of yourself. Everyone deserves a little “me” time, to fall back and recoup. We all love your store, because it carries “your” personality.
Carie et al: Paul Harvey is the name - and now you know the rest of the story — Bill and I listened to him every morning for many years — and his son carried on for quite a while — sure miss it.
Can’t wait for February and the retreat when we should hear all about your month in Utah!!
Did something for myself this month — last monday at the member’s recital for the Music Club in Carson City I sang “I Believe” and it was excellent — you know the neurosurgeon fused my neck last August — well he scraped off the spurs that had been pinching nerves before he inserted the rods and screws (yes, real screws! nine of them!) and it left the voice in better shape than it’s been for many years — so I’ve started on doing something for myself!
Keep up the good work — liebe, Caroll
You go, girl! I’m sure everyone who reads this will be agreeing with you — your fellow quilters can be your biggest cheerleaders!
Good for you, Carie! I’ll be praying for you!
Judy :>)
Go for it girl! You are such a beautiful woman, inside and out. I know this has been a struggle for a long time for you. Set your mind to it and you WILL succeed! My prayers are with you! Keep us informed as to how you are doing!
The store looks AWESOME!
Okay, you asked us to tell you what we were doing for ourselves this month. I will admit to being vain and shallow — I made an appointment for eyelash extensions!
Good for you Paula! Don’t feel “vain and shallow”! I think that is one of the things that prevents us from doing things for ourselves. Let’s change perceptions together. Doing anything that will help you feel good or even more beautiful than you already are is a GOOD thing:) Batt those beautiful new lashes!!!
Thanks Donna! Love ya
Thanks Judy!
Thanks Caroll! I am so proud of ALL you have been though and accomplished! You are such a great example to me:) Thank you.
Thanks Marlene:) Here’s to taking “me time”. Cheers!
What a great example you are Carrie! I am learning so much and it is great to know that there are other ladies out there who feel the same and are making it happen!
Hope you are doing well at the “Ranch”. I will be looking forward to hearing about your adventure. My me time is quilting, sewing and reading. Just melts off the stress from working. Experiences like yours sure do make you step and reevaluate your life. I did that by taking my work hours to part-time this last July and it is remarkable what a difference it has made.