When Superwoman Didn't Come to the Rescue

When I first overhauled my diet and lifestyle in 2011 so that I could be superwoman for everyone around me (kids, husband, employer, parents, etc) I thought that being a “yes woman” was the epitome of selflessness. Admirable, right? 

Well, let’s take a closer look at the word “selfless” from Merriam Webster:
adjective|  self·less|   \ˈsel-fləs\
: having or showing great concern for other people and little or no concern for yourself

You could make a case for the “showing great concern for other people” part, but the second half of that definition raises some major red flags. Yes, I began to feed my body nourishing foods and incorporate a regular exercise routine, both of which appeared to demonstrate concern for myself. But, that was never my intent. I did those things so that I wouldn’t run the risk of getting knocked down by regular colds and flus that would inevitably make it more difficult to serve those around me - so that my needs would become insignificant compared to those I cared most about. My ultimate goal was to avoid having to be concerned with myself.
 

I DECIDED THAT "I" WASN'T IMPORTANT.
 

It’s no wonder that my plan backfired. Caring for others cannot be done effectively until you know how to care for yourself. This means caring for your MIND and SPIRIT in addition to your physical body. Within months of living this new healthy lifestyle, the superwoman honeymoon came to an abrupt end. Ironically, my attempt at becoming a servant for everyone else turned into everyone else coming together in concern for me as my energy dissipated and symptoms of dis-ease came crashing in around me. 
 

It would take me over 4 years to figure this out. I can be stubborn. But once I began to put myself first, really put myself first (not just nurse the ever-increasing physical symptoms) my life quickly shifted. I may be 90-95% recovered physically, but spiritually? 500% better. No question.
 

THIS WEEK: As you find yourself leaning toward being overly selfless keep this in mind … Putting yourself first doesn't mean you don't care about others. It means you're smart enough to know you can't help others if you don't help yourself first.
 

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