Do you put yourself last? A new way to look at life...

I’ve been making a concerted effort to take care of myself recently: 

Monthly massages, physio for some post-pregnancy stomach issues, and planning an Indian head massage when they open after covid...

WOOHOO!
 
I was mulling these things over during one of my recent massages.
 
It struck me that - for the first time in ages - I’m putting myself first.
 
It feels so selfish.

And yet, it’s imperative!
 
Cause here’s the thing...
 
With my massage, physio, or anything else I do for myself, I come back feeling refreshed for my son.
 
I have more space and energy for things like my blog. 
 
I show up for my friends feeling less frazzled :)
 
My takeaway...

Start with yourself first.
 
It’s opposite to the way most of us work: we start with other people, and then use what’s left for ourselves.
 
But flip this on its head:
 
Start. With. YOU.  
 
It’s not selfish!

It’s not “bad”.
 
Start with you, and use what you have left for other people.
 
We’ve all heard this: the analogy of the oxygen mask. But how many of us actually practice it?
 
Have a think about what "starting with you" looks like. Maybe you:

• Use those vacation days you’ve been meaning to take;
  
  
• Rearrange the zoom call that doesn’t work for you but you accepted anyway;
  
  
• Schedule in a morning of self-care, and then give your energy to someone else in the afternoon...

 
Starting with you can feel wrong at first - but it’s really not!
 
(And I know you’re not the type of people to read this as “Take everything for yourself, and become a real asshole :)”
 
What does “starting with you” mean, for you? What changes would you make to your life?
 
If it doesn’t work, you can always go back to how things were before.
 
But for me, the “Claire after a massage” is much better than “Claire trying to please everyone”.
 
And with that, I’m heading off to drink coffee and take some time for myself :)
 
Love, and heartfelt greetings,

Claire 

❤

PS: Fifteen years later than everyone else... but I've finally joined Instagram! I'm @thefivepercentcoaching, and would love to see you there!  
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