Defining Yourself

Have you ever tried to explain who you are?

Many times we have an idea of how we act and feel from day to day, but does that mean we know who we really are? I think that coming to know ourselves is one of the most important things we can do to make our lives more fulfilling. I need to know what I value, what kind of people I want in my life, what I want to do to make me happy in my work, what motivates me and what gives me joy.

Asking these kinds of questions of ourselves can lead to insight and some new views of who you are. Actually sitting down with a pen and paper to answer the following questions will lead you to a better understanding of who you are. Then you will be able to analyze whether you are being true to yourself in the way you are conducting your life, or not.

What are the priorities in my life at this time?
What do I value?
What principles do I live my life by?
Am I currently following these principles?
What makes me happy?
What makes me sad?
What makes me angry?
What makes me fearful?
Do I like to have time alone or do I prefer to be with others?
Am I physically and emotionally as healthy as I want to be?
Is it important to be connected to my family?
How do I define success?
If I could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Am I a leader or one who feels more comfortable following?

Taking the time to do some writing and thinking on this subject is a great way to ready yourself for the New Year. Make it a point to know who you are in 2012!

Time For Yourself

It happens everyday! We run from place to place. We drop our kids at school, we run errands, we get to work just in time, we work through lunch. We take care of our kids' needs, we take care of our pets' needs, we take care of our homes and yards, we care for our elderly parents and we take care of our spouses/partners.

When is it time to care for ourselves ?

Isn't it funny that most of us run around caring for others the majority of the time and disregard our own needs? The need for time for ourselves, to care of our physical, emotional and spiritual needs is something we need to pay attention to. It takes a willingness to carve out time from your busy schedule to make that doctor's appointment, or get to that yoga class, or to take that walk or to write in that journal you have been meaning to start. But, the payoff can be huge!

You'll have more energy and a feeling of energized well being if you make caring for your own needs a priority as much as possible. This may sound impossible to you, and if it does, I can help you structure your life so that you have time for you. The people in your life will notice your more balanced and happy life.

Try it! Find out how it feels to put yourself first! You deserve it!