Have you ever had an “un” day? A day when you felt unappreciated, unwanted, unknown, unloved? It could be that you are too busy and have gotten too tired. It's easy to do. Our lives can easily become overwhelming if we let the outside world take over. We have constant demands to “do this”, “go here”, “buy this”, “watch this”,. It can make us crazy.
When our lives are too busy it is easy to neglect the one person who should be upheld and supported – ourselves. We become unable to cope. If we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of anyone else properly. We've seen the ads about how to put the oxygen mask on yourself first before trying to help anyone else and in the Bible Jesus said “love your neighbour as yourself”. If you don't love and care for yourself, how can you truly love and take care of your neighbour?
If we spend too much time in an “un” stage, we may end up with a feeling of depression that is difficult to get out of. We may need to consult a professional to help us. If you are feeling a little “un” today, take a look at what you have been doing lately. Have you been “doing” instead of “being”? We are “human beings” not “human doings”. It is important to take some time to relax and “unwind”, to move from “unconscious” to conscious as we understand what it is we are doing to ourselves when we allow ourselves to become too busy.
When this happens, when you feel unappreciated, it's time to appreciate yourself for who you are and what you do, but you can't do this if you are constantly rushing around. You need to give yourself a break. Take some time to yourself. Sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and think about all the things you have done. Think about the times that people have said thank you for things you have done or said. Think about the things you have done for others and be grateful that you were able to do what you have done.
If you can, give yourself some time to find out what you like to do. Spend a morning thinking about the things that you “don't have time for” and figure out ways to make that time. Be unavailable for a little while.
We speak about “carving out” time for ourselves, and sometimes that is what it feels like, that we have to see our busyness as a block of marble that needs to be reshaped to reveal its true nature. We need to carve away the unneccessary and keep only what brings us joy and peace and love.
Be true to yourself – BANABU