Many of us have been templated with the idea that to put ourselves first is selfish and wrong.
I encourage you to consider whether you hold to the template that creates guilt when you make a decision to put yourself first.
To step into optimal health, I recommend that you let go of the belief that you serve others best by serving yourself second.
I hold strong that the opposite is true.
When you align to your truest essence, that is when you serve others most efficiently.
Most effectively.
Optimally.
The old template where the woman and/or the man of the house plays martyr is best set aside for the history books.
For generations, we have modeled for our children this suboptimal template.
One can ease into this new mindset.
Just as easily it can happen overnight.
Simple tool: ask questions.
How can I follow my passion and my family be optimally supported at the same time?
Am I willing to admit to myself what I really want?
How can I pursue my dreams?
How can I create an optimal life for myself?
Where I thrive.
Where I look forward to waking up in the morning and engaging in my day.
Where the day ends with fulfilment.
Only in your dreams you ask?
I warmly recommend that you question how you came to doubt your true essence and capabilities.
Another simple tool: look for solutions.
How can I make following my dreams win-win?
Every member of my family is optimally supported.
By design that includes me.
When I do this for myself, I model for my children how to create a fulfilling life.
If I choose to play martyr to the wishes and needs of the other members in my family over my own wishes and needs, that is a strong education I give to my children.
How to remain unfulfilled in life.
Not an optimal lesson.
I am so bold as to say that none of us would consciously choose this.
Third tool: question assumptions.
The most important assumption to question…
There is a commonly held assumption that the way we have been running as families is the optimal way.
It is not.
Just as in the music industry, we all benefit from doing a cover on the authentic family.
We take the good and we tweak it.
We upgrade it.
We recognize that we are all pioneers.
Scientists experimenting with this most fundamental ecosystem.
The modern family.
Be authentic.
A tall order if overly connected to societal norms.
My translation of normal: suboptimal.
Go for optimal.
The optimal caregiver starts with him or herself.
When one gets that right, better termed optimally, it ripples out to others with ease and grace.
Mark my words.
Addendum:
Hint: The optimal caregiver has Energy.
Wakes feeling refreshed.
Falls asleep most nights with a smile in their heart, in their soul.
They nurture resilience and independence within themselves.
They nurture resilience and independence in all of the sovereign beings in their care.
They value the importance of love and attention.
The basic human need to be heard.
To be seen.
To be honoured.
To be loved unconditionally.
Is given optimal attention.
We all strive to do our best.
Our best is a moving target.
Some days we are more capable than other days.
We understand this.
We accept this.
We are this.
We are human beings.
In an optimal world, we are authentic and free.
Freedom can take a little crafting sometimes.
Be the craftsman of your authentic life.
If it is not already it will be beautiful … By design.
(1000)
Ellen Degeneres offers a similar message in this 4 minute video.
True To Myself Ziggy Marley (701)
Will post on my Authentic Family Facebook Page but it applies equally well to professional caregivers.
All ranges of therapists, doctors, nurses etc.
Wrote April 27, 2016
