During the months of December and January I took an informal poll.  I asked women what it would take for them to put themselves on the top of their “to do” list.  More time was one of the popular answers but the most recurring response shifted my thinking dramatically.  Women said “a disease would put me on the top of my to-do list, but then I would be on the top of a lot of people’s lists.”  “If I get a disease I would be forced to take time for myself.  And there are all sorts of groups that will offer wellness programs and support for free, and people will rally to help get me well.”  How does that translate for you?  For me those women are saying I have no boundaries and feel I must sacrifice my own health to please others.

Does this shock you?  Or do you resonate with it?  For me it’s a little of both.  I witnessed the sacrificing mother who would go, go, go until she dropped.  Women who took time for themselves were criticized and time away from family or any service other than a haircut was considered a luxury.  But in the last 10 years I’ve been blessed to know women of all ages who make their physical, emotional, and spiritual health a priority.  There’s one of my best friends Gail who has faithfully put going to the gym into her daily routine for years – no matter what.  Gail is in her 50’s, very fit and genuinely enjoys her life.  Cheryl is also in her 50’s and brought the gift of yoga to my life.  Cheryl embodies physical and mental strength.  There’s Linda who in her 60’s models spiritual integrity and challenges me to move beyond my perceived limitations.  And there’s my 16-year old daughter, who in spite of her mother’s dreams and fears for her has not forgotten who she is.  More importantly, she’s not afraid to remind me.  I want to be like her!

The results of my survey inspire me to change my thinking.  I am already a firm believer that we create our own realities.  That said, I do not need to get sick in order to be well.  And maybe it’s time to start rallying for women who do what they need to do to take care of themselves.  My friend Toni is often heard saying “don’t wait until I’m losing body parts to honor and celebrate me.”  Do it now.  OK Toni.  One of my goals for February is to get moving to get healthy.  For the rest of February I am going to move for you and the other women who are modeling self-care for me.  I might be on the treadmill, running at the park, or steppin’ to the old Firm tapes – but I’ll be moving.  So to Gail, Cheryl, Linda, Sara Beth, Louise, and Toni – I honor and celebrate you!  Just being you makes a difference to me.