So, what are you doing for you?

So if you’ve followed my Blogs you know by now that I am a breast cancer survivor  thrivor.  I can honestly say that having breast cancer was one of the best things that has happened to me.  It was like a sign post on the road of life telling me I was going the wrong direction.  It gave me so many gifts and I will share them with you as time goes by. 

Recently around Mother’s Day I read a great article by Michele Long on Sarah Jenks website  http://sarahjenks.com/blog/happy-mothers-day/  Michelle  talks about her mother who died from breast cancer and learned too late that she had not lived her life in a way that nurtured her.  She had beautiful memories of how her mother transformed after learning this lesson once she was diagnosed and fighting the disease.  Michelle has used this powerful lesson to guide her to create a life that is authentic, wholehearted and not self-sacrificing.

Reading this article really took me back.  I recalled an eye opening conversation I had over twenty years ago with my sister.  It was one of those catch up conversations.  You know one of those, “so what's going on with you” conversations. I filled her in on all of my doings, work, my son, my husband, work I was doing for my son's school, etc.  We talked for quite a while and at a certain point, she said to me "I hear what you are doing for Mike (first husband), and Mikey, and work, and Mikey's school, but what are you doing for you?"  It left me a bit stunned, I didn't know how to answer it and I had never even thought about it or considered the need to do something for me.  Kinda crazy, huh, but true. 

A short while after that a friend recommended Louise Hay's book “Heal Your Body, The mental causes for physical illness and the metaphysical way to overcome them” -to me.  As a breast cancer survivor thrivor,I was shocked to see what was written about "Breast Problems"  Under the column "Probable Cause" was written "A refusal to nourish the self. Putting everyone else first. Over-mothering. Overprotection. Overbearing attitudes.”  Nailed me on all of them!  In the column "New Thought Pattern" it said “I am important.  I count. I now care for and nourish myself with love and with joy. I allow others the freedom to be who they are.  We are all safe and free.  Well I have to tell you, it blew me away!

I wish I could say that I have it down and I always nourish and care for myself completely.  Through the years I have gone up and down the spectrum with regard to this.  However, as I reached my 50s I have gotten closer and closer.  The huge leap of faith that I took 3 years ago to leave corporate and follow my heart and my purpose has catapulted me into a beautiful place where I do more of this than I ever have and  I experience more joy and health than I ever have in my life. 

Are you an over achiever, over-motherer, and/or over-protector?   What are you doing about it and how are you nurturing yourself in addition to everyone else you love?