So, I’ve been noticing lately that perhaps I’m taking on a bit too much.  Little red flags have been waving, but I somehow have just ignored them and continued to push on, until this past week…

I was driving to work a few days ago and noticed that the little light was on to signal that my car was on ‘EMPTY’ (admit it, you know you’ve seen this light a million times).  As soon as I saw the light come on, I looked to the left and there was a Stewart’s just calling my name to ‘gas up.’  The traffic light I was sitting at, was red, so I certainly could have turned in for gas very easily.  However, I chose not to, and I kept pressing on because all I was thinking about was getting to work and getting my day rolling.  It was moments after this immediate choice that I realized that there were not too many places I could stop for gas on the way to work, so I immediately scanned my brain for the next closest stop.  As I was pumping gas, a mile down the road, the light in my head went on…

This wasn’t just a simple routine ‘gas up.’  This was the Universe giving me a sign, or shall I say, screaming loudly, “Vicki, refuel my dear, refuel!”  As I stood there pumping the gas into my vehicle I started to wonder, ‘When was the last time I refueled myself?’  The answer was NOT a good one…

This is the time of year when many people begin to feel a great deal of stress (if they are not already stressed).  One of my sisters is a nurse, and has been a nurse for a very long time.  Years ago she worked in the ER and I remember her saying, “the ER is always crazy during the holidays.”  Hmmmmm, I wonder why…

1) It’s a time of year when the hustle and bustle really picks up, and we add about 10 more things to our already crowded plate!

2)  If you live in the Northeast (like I do), the weather gets colder, snow starts to fall and you begin to feel cooped up.

3) Extended families come together, which unfortunately does sometimes cause stress in many situations.

So, what do you do about it?

Most people I know brace themselves and go into ‘auto pilot’ mode, just like I have been doing for the past few weeks.  It’s hard not to because when we put so much on our plates, we don’t really have time to BE, because we are DOING so much.  This type of behavior unfortunately puts us on that good ‘ol hamster wheel.  (You know what I’m talking about, wake up (jump up), go into auto mode, get lunches ready, shower, get dressed, drive to work, etc) Who really wants to do that dance?

The problem is…Most women put themselves on the BACK BURNER.

LADIES…THIS IS NOT OKAY!!!

(You know, there is a reason they tell us to secure the mask on our faces before we secure it on our child in an aircraft…If we’re not alive, we can’t help anyone else!)

What’s your plan?

I believe that in order to live a life of happiness and joy, you must have a plan.  Without one, you fall into old habits, listen to ‘old tapes (downloads) in your head, jump on the Hamster wheel, and eventually feel totally drained.  So let’s get a new plan…

When you wake up in the morning, what do you say to yourself?  Instead of dreading the day, take a few moments to lay there in your cozy bed and contemplate the day.  If a negative thought comes to mind, then turn it around.  Ex)  “I’m so tired, I don’t want to get out of bed.”  Instead, say, “”My body is has received all of the rest it needs, and I am ready for my day!”  The power of affirmations doesn’t happen by saying one positive statement, so don’t stop there!  When you go to the shower, imagine yourself washing away all of the stress that you may have encountered the day before.  Perhaps you might say, “I am refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready for a wonderful day!”

I start my day, every day, with positive thoughts.  I then go through my day reminding myself of my blessings instead of my worries.  When I feel drained, I take the time to refuel.  Refueling for me might be reading a good book before bed, going for a massage, or just taking a brisk walk.  Refueling can be different for everyone.  Take the time to do something that feels good every day, and you will never feel like your running on empty.

In the last few weeks, I wasn’t living my life in this way.  Instead, I was allowing myself to become a human doing, instead of a human being!  This wouldn’t have happened if I stuck to my plan.  I didn’t stick to my plan because I allowed myself to set Vicki on the back burner.  Thank you Universe for reminding me that I must put the mask on my face first!  It’s not selfish, it’s a must!

This week, and every week, REFUEL yourself.  you deserve it!