Weekly Meeting Topic: Taking Care of Yourself

Tonight we talked about why it's so important to take care of yourself in relation to your journey. There are so many ways and so many opportunities you get every day where you can take care of yourself. Here are just a few:

1. Make time to exercise: this may involve getting creative with your activity and/or sneaking it in if you are pressed for time, but remember - even 5 minutes is better than no minutes.
2. Preparing and controlling your environment: making shoppings lists, going shopping, having the right foods/tools in the house sets you up to be successful.
3. Being assertive: telling people what you need and want from them (family, friends, co-workers, waiters, etc). Do not back down. Let them know what you need and that you're serious about it.
   
4. Get enough sleep: When you're tired, don't eat to try to stay awake - it never works and you end up going to bed anyway, with extra calories consumed. Just go to sleep, your body will thank you and you'll be fresher the next day.
   

Now, I love whenever we mention this topic. Mostly because I have no problem doing any of these things and like any chance to remind people to make themselves a priority.

Back when I had my original leader in Brooklyn, she would always ask me to speak when this topic came up - just because I seemed to be the only person in the meeting that had no problem putting myself first, and I was more than glad to expound the greatness of living this way.

Maybe it's because I have the luxury of not having to take care of anyone else in my life, or maybe it's just because I'm selfish by nature, but I have no problem putting myself first, being assertive and doing what I know is best for me.

Anyone who knows me in real life will tell you that I do not respond to guilt or pressure from outside sources. In fact, If I have a struggle, it's internal. I don't let other people have that power over me.

So when I do not want to do something, I say no at the risk of someone else's feelings. I am as polite about it as possible, but I still decline because I know that in the long run, I need to do what's best for me, not what other people want.

If I know a experience will be challenging, I think about if it's really worth it to me before I agree to do it. If I have any control over the event/situation, I grab it (bring my own food, suggest a different place, show up late so I miss the meal, etc). I really believe in putting yourself first, regardless of the situation - food or otherwise. I think most people have a problem doing this, but I like to remind them that by taking care of yourself, you are then better equipped to take care of others.

So if you are not used to this concept, try to embrace it - Make yourself a priority, and do what you need to do to take care of yourself. You will be better off for it ad everyone around you will benefit from a better you.

At the end of the meeting, the leader shared a quote with us which I really liked - "To eat is a necessity but to eat intelligently is an art." (There was no source listed) I think that's fantastic!

Now for my weekly questions-

What did I accomplish this week?

• Tracking: I wanted to track at least 5 days, I only did 3. I have no excuse. I just need to be more diligent and get better with it. Consistency is so important, and I know that.
• 5K: I completed my first 5K on Sunday (I earned a bravo sticker for it at the meeting tonight)

What do I want to work towards next week?

• Tracking: I will track 5 days if it kills me!
• Getting my hemoglobin up: I tried to donate blood yesterday but was shy of the 12.5 minimum hemoglobin reading (I had 12.3), so I am going to be extra diligent about taking my vitamins. I also picked up B-12 which I learned is something all vegans need. I'm also going to make sure I eat more dark leafy greens than normal and have a return appointment in 2 weeks.

And just for fun, here is a photo of me at work today with my dear officemate, William (aka Sour Balls) and Joe G. How cute are they? This was right before William and I did the stairs today (40 flights)-

I love those boys.

Have a great week, everyone!