Put Yourself on the Priority List

The end of the school year is near. It is so.close that I’m already planning activities, road trips, softball trips, vacations, and day dates for the summer months.

Time slow down.

I have felt burned out a lot lately. Worn down, exhausted. Tired. Tired as a mother.

When that happens, when those feelings creep in, I sometimes get snarky. I have an attitude and I need an attitude adjustment.

Yesterday I traveled like a crazed person. I was in five different states. Yep. 5.

Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina.

I hated drivers. I hated traffic. I hated that I paid a quarter to use a restroom at a gas station. I had a good attitude, maybe, despite all the chaos around me. And I was wondering when I could get a break, catch a break, or even a nap.

I was quickly losing myself. I could feel it. Does that happen to anyone else? Anyone?

Sometimes we lose ourselves and we forget that we need to be on the priority list too.

Even when we seem so strong and so ready to take on the day, the week, the month, and the world, we need to realize that we can’t do it all.

Even when you are the one who handles all the things (appointments, bills, travel, job, etc.), you need to rest and restore.

Even when you are the caregiver to your loved one (or loved ones), your children, and you love helping others, don’t forget to help yourself.

Even after being the most mindful, you may need to re-evaluate and put your priorities in order.

I’m reminded of song lyrics that go like this: “Even the best fall down sometimes.”

Perhaps you forgot you have feelings. Perhaps you forgot that you have limits (and so does your body). Perhaps you forgot that not only do those around you need love, care, and a listening ear, but you do too. Perhaps you forgot that you have to look after you, too.

Sometimes my soul just needs relief. I have been parched, I have needed church. We finally got that on Sunday. I was moved to tears with hymns (some of my favorites), and moved to tears during not one, but TWO baptisms, and the fact that my 10 year old was singing along to the hymns I grew up with right next to me.

I needed to make church and that time with my family a priority again.

I read an article with these words, and I share them with you, just in case you need to be on the priority list…

You don’t have to be a superhero today. You don’t have to save the world. Just hold someone you love tightly in your arms and breathe.

You don’t have to predict the future. You don’t have to see a silver lining in the latest catastrophe. Just notice the sky above your head and breathe.

You don’t have to know all the words. You don’t have to speak with conviction. Just say “I am here” and listen. Breathe.

You are someone’s home base, even when life takes you off course. You are someone’s North Star even when you are less than shiny. You are someone’s solid rock even if you feel that you are falling apart.

So, I’m going to start remembering that…when I need to put myself in a time out. Take a break, collect myself, and not only care for those around me, but myself too.