10,000 Steps a Day
We live in a world full of many different expectations. From “how to have the perfect body,” to “how to be the perfect wife.” Eat organic only. Eat Paleo. Get in 10,000 steps a day. Do yoga. Meditate. Avoid sugar, alcohol, and coffee. Don’t eat carbs. Don’t eat too much fat, but make sure you eat enough. And make sure it is “healthy” fat. Eat more protein, but avoid animal products. Get 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Don’t use harsh cleaners. Sleep 8-10 hours a night. Drink eight glasses of pure, untreated water a day. Have a clean house and vehicle. Walk your dog and spend more time reading than on electronics.
Overwhelming isn’t it? And this is just the tip of the iceberg! These are some of the expectations that leave us feeling as though we are not good enough.
It’s exhausting. Not to mention unrealistic. I mean if you are a new mom 8-10 hours of sleep isn’t achievable. But, if you don’t get the 8-10 hours you are still “good enough!” The truth is, there is no perfect. Each individual is made up of many differences; no two people are the same. So why would it be realistic to compare ourselves to someone else and expect to live the same way? Have you ever felt like you are not good enough? If you’ve answered yes, I would have to agree with you. I have been here, and I still find myself here at times. When my head is filled with all of the above, I sometimes don’t know which way to go. I feel completely overwhelmed and I get very stressed out. It’s not that I am pressured by someone else to achieve these guidelines, it’s that I put this pressure on myself.
I have recently changed my thought process, from “I’m doing this because I have to,” to “I am doing this because, I am worth it!” I began counting all the little things I do for myself because I deserve to be cared for and I am important. It’s changed my whole outlook on my life. Feeling unworthy is one of the causes of the anxiety monster with which I battle. By changing my thoughts and being aware, it has alleviated my anxiety and left me feeling peaceful.
Every day, I get up in the morning early, before the kids and make my favourite cup of coffee. Then, I sit and fully enjoy it because I am worth it. I take the time to make my favourite healthy breakfast which I will enjoy, not just eating for the sake of it, but because I deserve to enjoy it and I am worth it. I brush my teeth and do a daily regimen of skin care, not because I am trying to achieve the perfect smile, or wrinkle-free skin, but because I feel fresh and rejuvenated, because I am worth it. I take the dog for a walk to my favourite spot, not just for exercise or to get 10,000 steps, but because I love it and I am worth it.
If you take the time to count all the little things that you can do for yourself that are just for you, they all add up to make you feel like you are enough and you are loved. Self-love is the most important love we can give. Its the only kind of love that is a sure thing. If we can’t appreciate everything we do for ourselves, how are we ever going to feel worthy? Fill your own bucket. 😉
Written by: Krystle Rhea; Just Breathe Mama
