Our lives can get super busy and hectic at times. We get caught up in work, family, home, the kids activities, church activities, and everything else. There seems to not be enough hours in the day to take care of all the things that need taken care of, much less to be able to take care of ourselves properly too. We have to prioritize our to do list so that we can make sure that the most important things are taken care of and often have to put some things off to another day. And many times the things that we put off are the things that are actually the most important things that we need to do for ourselves so that we can be our best self.

If we do not set aside the time that we need to do the things that are important to us, make us feel good about ourselves, keep us grounded in our relationship with Jesus, and that feeds our spirit on a regular basis we will quickly become burned out, unsatisfied, incomplete, and lack the peace and joy that we need. We will become short tempered or sad, unable to focus properly, and unable to be our best selves. And if we deny ourselves for long enough we can lose sight of what matters most to us and even lose sight of ourselves in general.

Yes we are suppose to put others before ourselves, be responsible, take care of our family, work hard, and serve, but, we also have to make sure that we take proper care of ourselves and our needs. We can’t treat others right if we are not treating ourselves right. We can not care for others if we are not taking care of ourselves. And we cannot love others if we do not love ourselves. In order for us to be our best selves, which is who God created us to be, we have to maintain a balance in life so that we do not end up deprived of the things that help us to be our best selves. There has to be “self-rejuvenation” time set aside for our needs.

What is it that makes you feel good about yourself? What is it that helps you release stress and relax? What is it that helps you get your day started with positive vibes? What is important to you, for you to maintain your connection with God? What brings joy to your heart? What helps you be able to step back and just breath for a few? What gives you the sense of purpose, contentment, and completeness? Whatever your answer is to these questions you have to make time in your schedule to do them. You may not be able to do everything everyday but find time to do at least one thing each day or choose a day that you can take several hours for yourself to “rejuvenate” and care for yourself. Ask God what is most important for you to be able to be your best self and be able to properly handle the life that He has given you. He knows what you need the most of and how you can obtain it. You may even be surprised at what he leads you to do but if you do it you will be satisfied and happy with life.

We can not always put ourselves and our needs last if we want to live our best life, being our best selves. We can not maintain a happy and peaceful heart if we do not take care of ourselves. And if we do not take the time to “self rejuvenate” we will get burned out and risk the chance of losing sight of ourselves and our lives. It is not being selfish. It is a necessity if you are going to be able to be who God created you to be and to properly handle the life that He has given you. It is a “must do” if you are going to be able to love others as God has commanded that we do.