The most basic and precious tenet of self nurturing is to take time for yourself. Taking time off allows you to be more efficient when you return to the task at hand. Relaxation is not a treat, it is necessary for your physical and emotional health. And if you value your time and set limits on what you do for others, others will value your time and treat you with more respect. How many times do you feel frustrated because you are unable to find the time to do the things that are important to you?

Remember. You are in charge of your life. It may not always seem like it, but you do choose to be too busy or to be bored. I know that may not be a very comforting thought, but it is liberating one. Try to find the time to care for yourself. Make it a priority. Self-care will enrich your life immeasurably.

How You Spend Your Time: Redefining Your Priorities
(Adapted from "Take Time for Your Life" by Cheryl Richardson )

Take a look at where most of your time is now going and think about where you’d like it to be going.

Consider all of these areas of your life.

	Emotional and physical health
	Relationships
	Spiritual well being
	Work
	Service/contributions to others
	Fun/adventure/leisure

Okay, then. Now that you've considered these areas in your life. In what areas would you like it to be different? Answer the following questions with the following criteria...

Focus on your "wants." Write the first answer that comes to mind. Give yourself permission to let your desires run free. 

	What’s most important to you at this time in your life?
	Where would you like to spend more of your time?
	If you could do anything you wanted without restrictions,  what would it be?
	Are there areas that need your attention, like your health,  a relationship, work or financial concerns?
	Is there a secret dream or desire that keeps getting put  on the back burner that you’d like to devote more time to?  If so, what is it?
	What needs less attention? What needs more?

Recognizing Your Peak Times as Times to Self-Nurture

Spend a few days checking in with yourself and determining when you are full of energy and when you're not. Learn to protect and build on these zips of energy. When you begin to feel energetic and creative, nurture that feeling! Strive to give yourself some uninterrupted, valuable time to do something YOU WANT to do. If the phone  rings, let the machine pick it up. Tell your kids and spouse you need an houror two alone. (Hey, I'm a parent too, and I know how hard this is!) It takes practice and it is not always possible to succeed. But the important idea here is to recognize that these bursts of energy are valuable times to give to yourself.

Where to go from here...

The Time Is Life List

Creating A Comfort List

Ways to Create More Time for Self Care When You are at Home

Blessings and love,
Sheri