Vicky..You are a very talented person: your blogs are very in touch with spirituality (however you want to define and live it) and are bright in the fact that you make people think very positively...Cool...You are right: we MUST take time to make ourselves happy and achieve personal satisfaction. As not only I see it BUT know it, time is always there (even as a "human" 24 hours clock) and it is up to us to use it well....Let me tell you EVERYBODY-somehow spends time in going out or/and partying or/and doing ATV fun  or/and shopping  or/and  TV channel zapping, or/and surfing for hours...the list goes long: so, just by subtracting some of that and adding time to reflect (listen to calming music, reading about positive philosophies, learning with info from lime.com, going to a park and breathe in and out...etc...). So, as you said: go for it!

I believe you have to put yourself first...who else will?  Many people think this is selfish but I believe it is a requirement.  It is important to take the steps to be the best you so that you can be a good person, parent, friend, lover.  And in order to be the best you, you must fulfill the inner commitments you make with yourself, like I will meditate, I will finish that book, I will take a long bath this evening, etc.  If you cannot commit to yourself how can you possibly commit to anyone else. When you take care of yourself you are indirectly taking care of others.  It truly does have a ripple effect and is best for everyone in the long run.  

There are times when I feel the need to find more fufillment.  Sometimes the need for wanderlust and change overwhelms me.  We keep changing as individuals and our needs keep changing.  Taking care of my family is still my priority, but as I get older, I realize I want to make my imprint.  Finding things to boost my spirit or energize me is becoming more and more important.  Thanks for the kudos.  I am trying to post things that make us challenge ourlselves and help us to " make the change." I agree, taking care of ourselves should be a priority.  If we don't do it, no one will.

I treated myself to an afternoon for me.  I went to the gym, worked out to great music and finished off with a manicure/pedicure. It was wonderful and totally relaxing.  And the best was I did it on a Saturday afternoon while my husband watched the kids!!!

 

A wise a beloved old Crone I know once whispered to me that if I wished to find what I wanted I had to look within myself and not outside. She was so very right. On those days when I meet myself coming and going I have to step back a moment and turn inward.

When I start wishing the day would just slow down so I can breathe a little I find that turning off what is outside of myself brings a calm that I have trouble describing. Even if it's just for a moment or two that inward focus brings about a very satisfying calm that gets me through. 

Observe the world as though you were a child and enjoy the wonder of it all.

I couldn't agree with you more.  Happiness and satisfaction are really a state of mind.  When you think about what makes you  happy, you realize that we usually already have the tools necessary, it's just the ability to harness it and access it.

I too try to look inwards and find peace.  With two active sons, I am challenged each day.  Sometimes I sit in my car at a light and just breathe to try and find that inner calmness.