Are your days spent meeting the needs of your children, spouse, co-workers, or boss? How much time do you spend meeting your own needs?

I know that this may sound funny to you, but good self-care is critical for maintaining balance in life.

Picture yourself as a large battery. Pretend you have two terminals on the top of your head and several sockets on your sides, where people can plug in to you for their own needs. Your kids plug into a socket. Your spouse, co-workers, friends and family all have a socket. If you get too busy caring for others, you soon become a dead battery, of no use to anyone. Good self-care ensures that your power levels stay high, making it possible for you to continue to bless others.

Many people react strongly (at first) against the idea that in order to enjoy healthy relationships, they first have to keep themselves healthy.

Take a look at your battery today.

Is your emotional battery drained? How about your relational battery or your physical battery?

Take time to focus on your needs for a moment. Refuel by stopping by the gym after work, or riding a bike, or getting elbow deep in your favorite hobby. When you are refueled, you will be in better shape to care for the needs of others.

© Copyright 2005 Smalley Relationship Center

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