A little about me: I’m part of the generation of women – mothers – working full time – running the household and putting ourselves last on the ‘to-do list’. Initially, it felt like progress in comparison to my parents – my father and many like him, going to work every day and providing the income, while mom stayed home and did everything to care for the family and run the household. However, the truth is, it wasn’t progress – it was the precursor to depression, weight gain and losing my sense of self! Both my husband and I worked full-time and since he worked out of town, I had the starring role for all the day-to-day aspects of life: raising the kids, chauffeur, homemaker, managing the finances and at the same time establishing a career. Not a complaint, but like many of my generation – reality. It honestly took until my late 30’s before I really understood that I am a unique individual; someone who needs more from life in addition to that of wife, mother and income earner. I am Lee – a person who deserves joy and happiness and fulfillment on every level; while I experience joy from the primary roles I have in life, I’m also finding a great sense of pleasure in my grandchildren and in the two children my new hubby and I adopted a few years ago. And I’m excited to say, I’m now 53 years young and still learning… I don’t have to be all things to all people, it’s okay to put myself first when I need to, take naps, say no and most importantly do what makes me happy! Exploring the possibilities with other like-minded is fantastic and fun. I’ve been making new friends, started a meet-up walking group and am participating in my community. I know (in a very visceral way) my need to exercise and feel my muscles regularly but also allowing myself to be in the quiet of just doing nothing – resting – reading – being with myself and taking time to appreciate the life I/we have. I have had depression, lack of a healthy body weight and digestive issues for twenty years. I wonder why when the Doctor prescribed medications for these issues, that I did not sit up then and take notice. People you need to take notice of the signs your body is giving. As I look back on my life and a successful career as Mortgage Specialist, I realize there are several things I’ve always told my clients to do… that apply to more than just finances. For example: You must create a plan for your finances or you will not achieve your financial goals. Today when I think about this I want to shout these questions from the rooftops “Why don’t we plan our own self-care? Why don’t we plan to have many successful relationships? Planning for – investing in – making time for… is how we have success. If we do not plan – invest – and make time for what’s truly important to us, we will not have it. There’s a saying in the financial world “fail to plan and plan to fail” – this holds true for self-care and the relationship with need with ourselves too. I realize I have planned and taken action to achieve my success in my career… so why didn’t I plan for my success personally? My happiness, health and relationships; beyond just the relationships I have with my husband and children? Ladies (and gents) – we need to fill our lives with all kinds of relationships and the most important one is with ourselves. I believe, it’s imperative we fill our hearts, our minds, our soul so we have a place to draw from as we give to others. For me, self-care now goes far beyond the ‘to-do lists’, it includes meal planning, exercising, meditation/prayers (mental health) and my relationships. So now at 53, my message is simple “Plan Your Life, so you don’t wake and think damn I missed that. Take care of the body you have – mind, body and your soul.”
“Don’t wait until your health is affected. Pay attention to the signals your body gives you, they are clues to when you are off-track or not following your heart. There is so much more important in life than a paycheck. And if you are not already incorporating self-care – make the change this year!” I know, nobody can do it for ‘you’, but I’m hoping you’ll come, laugh, engage and hear something that ignites the spark to your life. I maybe 53 years old… but I also know you can teach an old dog new tricks! I will continue to plan and take action each and every day. If you are ready for this – send me a message.
