The month of May is often a busy month for many. For me it’s been filled with extra time helping my sons stay on top of year-end school work as well as make up work from one son’s absences due to a medical issue. There have been doctors’ appointments, details to attend to for prom night, and helping with applying for summer jobs. Lots of extras on my plate.
Yep, so many of us have extras on our plates at this time of the year. But actually, life can bring extra stuff at any time of the year! This is when it’s important to remember to say “Yes” to ourselves. This might mean letting certain things slide a little. I’ve really needed to do this for myself (a lot) lately. When any of my extras pull on my “mama bear” heart strings or bring me extra stress, that’s when I need to be gentle with myself and not push myself to get everything done (or done perfectly). It’s more important to take a break to sit outside and listen to the birds chirping. That’s good medicine; that’s healing and nourishing.
So, on that note, here’s part one of an article on saying “yes” to yourself. I’ll share part two of the article in an upcoming blog. I know how busy you probably are, so I’ll keep your reading time short! 
Saying “Yes” to Yourself
Most parents know the importance of setting limits. We set a bedtime for our children … stop them from eating too much junk food or candy … and allow them to play outside until it starts getting dark.
Limits create the structure and discipline that every child needs for healthy upbringing.
But for adults, setting limits is more than an exercise in discipline; it’s vital to creating a sacred balance in your life.
I’m sure you know someone who fills her calendar so full she hardly has time for herself. She attends one family event after another. A niece’s graduation is followed by a great-uncle’s 80th birthday party, followed by a tea her mother planned for an old family friend. She volunteers for school functions and other events. Plus she has her own business to run (or job) and family to take care of.
And, as much as she loves her family and wants to help others, she barely has enough time to receive what she needs.
If you are the same, you have to realize that by not setting limits, you are letting the needs and wants of others come before your own well-being.
If you listen to your own inner wisdom, you’ll know this to be true.
Setting limits is not about closing doors; it’s about opening new ones. Opening the doors to recharging your own batteries, finding what brings you joy, etc.
We all need to make time for ourselves so we can nourish our souls and enjoy all that life has to offer. It’s a key component of our self-care.
Start today by setting small limits. You’ll be amazed how wonderful it feels.
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