I remember very clearly, those moments from childhood when my parents (particularly my mother) would force me to take a medication (and I loathe drugs so bad till date) at the slightest knock or fever. It would not be out of place to add the Nursing or Health Maintenance Officer to the roles that mothers out there play daily. I am sure you can also relate to at least a few moments when you have been persuaded, convinced, sometimes compelled to take or do something that was solely beneficial to YOU at any point in time (that includes food!). Things you can no longer try today; sorry adulthood has caught up!
But then, there is something that further thrills me from these recounts. These same persons (my parents) would quickly get on a medic, take a drug, and have a quick fix to whatever was wrong with them, before I even exactly could notice they were down. While I would easily get dramatic about the slightest headache at those times, I would watch a shivering father say “no, it’s nothing, I’m perfectly fine, it’s just a small cold’, and then it’s downplayed forever. I think these figures with a delicate sense of responsibility had an understanding of how crucial, just how important their living and wellbeing was and/or is and would throw in all the grit to stay functional (I don’t think this is always fun, great parents are heroes every time!). Please take a minute to reach out to your dad, mom, spouse or anyone that has at any point in time taken on sacrifices for you, it certainly wasn’t exactly interesting! Please do this now.
While the arguments above remain eternally valid for a responsible adult, please also recall that you cannot pour out water from an empty cup. On one hand is your need to hold up because you have to, for that singular reason that is peculiar to you (could be for your child, your parent, someone that looks up to you, or for some persons who need you to be fine/perfect for them to have any real chance at big things). On the other hand is the need not to lose YOU completely to these processes. Yes, these people and things need you to be all these things to them, but to also stay alive (in perfect health and wellness), most essentially while doing so. This is so important!
In great cognizance of the times we live, where there is so much pressure and expectation sitting as spectators, I recommend that you embark on a project tagged ‘YOU’. These times are characterized by real-time volatility, where you cannot exactly control what anyone says or thinks of you. It is important that you do not take things personally or to heart! While the duty of care can lie with your loved ones who truly care about you, do not forget how important you are to YOU and the need to also take on this duty. This mindset is simple! It’s the urge to think of YOU as a project that needs to be properly managed, a machine that needs some adequate level of maintenance and not susceptible to a breakdown or a total knock or replacement. This cautious approach to living would leave you with water in your cup always. I would suggest having plans for yourself that makes you happy, that lightens up your mood and keeps you thoroughly feeling refreshed. If you ever feel like you have nothing to offer, this is a red flag and you should take cover immediately, as well as the need to switch on the YOU project!
Another way to look at this is to think introspectively; what are the things I would want to do or see in my life that would either make things relatively easier for me, keep me happy and enthusiastic for the rest of my life (could be physical, spiritual, career or business)? I can bet that these things would not be so much! For some persons, could be just 2,3,4 things (ensure to make this as close ended as possible). The answer to these questions can set you up on an incredible journey of fulfillment that you would remain forever grateful for. People must learn to stop jumping from a line of action to another. The earlier you figure out the things you want to do or be and the exact things to do, the better; and please consistently stay there until your breakthrough comes (it would certainly come)! The multiple trials of so many things, without ever completing any, without a clear sense of direction is a journey to nowhere.
The project YOU is so important for YOU! You deserve everything good and a high level of unbridled happiness, regardless of what anyone thinks about this. In fact the habit of staking your happiness and wellbeing to other people or what they will say or think can ruin you (except for well filtered vital counsels). Making conscious effort to stay sharp is not selfish atal! If you have been or currently are depressed about anything until now, you need to try out the project YOU from scratch! Not me or anyone, but YOU! If you know me very closely or have read some of my pieces, you would know how big I am on processes, especially from personal experiences. However, I advocate a life that attempts to find a balance simultaneously. Don’t lose yourself to processes or pressure! If you lose yourself, the world would isolate you, move on and you would not be useful to these same persons that need you so badly. Do you get the links? This exactly is the logic to these things, finding a balance my friend!
Thank you for giving out time to read this beautiful piece. I sincerely hope that you prioritize YOU this week and for the rest of your life. I
