November is a month for showing thanks and gratitude. The beginning of the holiday season finds many people reflecting on all the things they are thankful for.
From jobs and co-workers to family and friends the list is usually a well-deserved roll call of people and places that give our lives meaning. While you are taking the time to be thankful there is someone you should keep in mind… yourself.
In our modern age we push ourselves to ridiculous extremes. We work 60 hour weeks, force ourselves to diet and exercise, skip vacations and persevere through pain, fatigue and stress all in the name of making our lives better. Sometimes the best thing we can do is step back, take a deep breath and relax. Really, is a missed workout really going to ruin your life?
This month take a moment to say thanks to you. We’re not talking about over-the-top self-indulgence or arrogance, simply the recognition that you are unique and to have made it this far in life is something to be proud of. Many illnesses and pain can be derived from our inability to cut ourselves some slack and take credit for being who we are. We strive so hard to be better that we often forget that who we are is pretty darn good.
Whether it’s a weekend off, an evening quietly meditating or a much needed therapeutic massage, do something this month for yourself. Gifts and fancy things are nice, but what most of us could really use is a soul pick-me-up. Smile, you are alive and that should be enough to make anyone happy.