HEY YOU. YES YOU. I AM ABSOLUTELY TALKING TO YOU.

To the parent who has to work from home with their kiddos. The parent who has to work from home but send their kids to school. The parent who gave up their job to stay home with their young kids. The parent who is essential and is trying to serve their community AND protect their family.

To the parent who is still trying to make life fun and creative and messy with the addition of mask etiquette and a sudden dearth of safe activity.

To the teacher or family member or neighbor or ETC who feels like there is no good answer to an overwhelming number of questions, no good solution to a sea of problems.

YOU CANNOT GIVE TO OTHERS IF YOU HAVE NOTHING FOR YOURSELF.

Say it with me, and say it loud for your friend who thinks it doesn’t apply to them either.

You cannot give to others if you have nothing for yourself.

When everyone is so exhausted, it is hard not to teeter on the edge of burnout, especially when there is real danger and strife. It may feel like you CANNOT save any energy and time for yourself.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. EVERYTHING CAN WAIT FIVE MINUTES.

• Read five minutes of a book you’ve wanted to read

• Catch up on news (please avoid “doom scrolling” on your five minutes, though…)

• Teach yourself something (if you study something for five minutes every day, that time adds up quickly)

• There are a TON of five minute fitness videos. Create a 30-day challenge for yourself where each exercise takes 3-5 minutes a day at most. The results are SHOCKING.

• Take a walk around the block

• Meditate or do a Deep Breathing Exercise

• Practice your instrument of choice (have it set up in a corner of your house so you don’t have to pull it out)

• Write in your journal

• Pull some weeds in your garden

• Play with your dog/cat/gerbil/snake

• Color in a coloring book

It’s hard not to picture the “destination” of things that are important to you. Education, fitness, hobbies, peace of mind, it all seems so daunting when you see how far away you seem from your goal and just how many people that need pieces of you.
Every marathon starts with a step. Every book starts with a word. You deserve time to go on your personal journey and to ENJOY your destination.

And when you are feeling driven and fulfilled, more at peace? You have so much more to give to those loved ones that need you. The time you give them will be full of quality and joy because you will be too.

You deserve to have your bucket filled too.

Love and Regards,
Ms. LJ