The next ten days are grading frenzy for me. This is the time when I have more on my plate then I feel as if I can handle. In the past, I have burnt the candles at both ends and did not take the time I needed to sleep, eat properly, do my physical therapy or take care of myself as I should have. This semester, I have decided to do all these things out of an expression of self-respect for myself and for my relationship with my Higher Power.
How can I say I honor myself and the Divine if I am not taking care of myself or the one who dwells within me. This semester I have decided to take a moment to plan out meals to eat which are quick and easy to prepare, that I can prep once and dine multiple times, and that are easy enough for Zoe to reheat when she is hungry. I have budgeted time in for my exercises and physical therapy. I have given myself permission to take power naps when I need to.
I love taking the time to cook meals for us that take a bit more time and energy, but I have come to realize that my plan for this season is about my being a good steward of my resources. It is okay to give myself permission to acknowledge that I am a human being and during times like this some things take priority over other things.
I am grateful for friends like Robin Miller Shilling who remind me to make myself and my health a priority when external demands shape how I use the resources in my life. I am grateful for my friend Angela Jeffers who reminded me I needed to go back to making self care a priority. I have to put the mask on my own face first so I can continue to care for others. So this month , the meals might not be what they normally are, but they are being respectful of myself and a good servant of my resources.