Hello everyone!  I am glad to be back at Recovery Times and look forward to writing the column again.

 

I have decided to write about the importance of taking a time out.  As I have recently learned, taking time for yourself is of utmost importance when life is getting you down or you are feeling overwhelmed.  Life has a tendency to shake even the most unshakeable person at times and knowing when to take a break is crucial to your health and well-being.

 

The past few months have been a challenge for me.  A few weeks ago, I realized that I wasn’t giving 100% of myself to anything that I was doing and decided to take a step back and take some time for myself; time to deal with some difficult issues in my life and re-evaluate what I wanted for myself. 

 

Sometimes when the weight of the world is resting on our shoulders, we turn to other things to help us temporarily escape.  Alcohol, drugs, food and various other addictions can relieve our stress for the moment but in reality, make things much worse in the end.  And so the vicious cycle continues…

 

This is where taking a time out is important; taking time to look at what is right in your life and what isn’t working so well.  Avoid over indulging in the “wrong” things and allow yourself a hearty indulgence in self reflection. Give yourself the time to figure out what you really want in your life and allow yourself to take the proper steps to get there.

 

When life gets too hectic or out of control, we may feel overwhelmed and unsure. The simple things in life are what matter most. When life becomes too stressful, sit down and take a breath. Take a time out and while you’re doing that, read these general principles to help put your focus on the important things in life. Post it on your fridge or your bathroom mirror and read them every day. They can change your life!

- Tell the truth. Honesty really is the best policy.

- Perfect your ability to love. It's the most powerful force in the world.

- Pay attention to two year olds and puppies. They know what's important.

- Look at sunsets; smell the flowers; listen to the birds; touch the people you care about; taste life. Everything you need is there for you.

- Take responsibility for meeting your own needs but don't do it in ways that keep others from meeting theirs.

- Forgive yourself and others. We're all doing the best we can to find our way.

- Live by your own values. Others may think they know what's best for you, but you're the one who has to live with the consequences of your actions.

- Listen to your body and take care of it. It's the best teacher you have now.

- Laugh often and long. It really does help.

- Hang out with people you like and admire. We tend to imitate those around us whether we want to or not.

- Follow your dreams. Life is exciting when you're pursuing your own goals - and you can do most anything you really want.

- Learn from your failures and don't be afraid to fail often.

- Life isn't fair but it isn't unfair either. When things don't seem to be working for you, do something. Movement is the key to change and life itself.

- Be nice to prunes. You may be one someday. :-)

--- Author Unknown ---

 

Take care of yourself,

 

Tracy