A Pretty Selfless Act

There was a moment there…just a few seconds ago…when I nearly walked on by.  There is so much to do.  And it’s late.

But…

There is also this commitment to myself that I have to honor.  That commitment is to take a moment or two for myself each day to simply be.  To be and to allow myself to open up to…possibilities.  So, I honor that commitment right now…

Done.  That was easy.  Easy and essential.  I am useless to everyone who depends on me if I am unable to function to my fullest potential.  I don’t always get there, mind you, but without a little focus on myself…then…I lose myself.  I have been lost before.  It’s not fun.

There is no dishonor, no shame, no guilt, in nurturing yourself.  The minutes of each day are limited, so there is no doubt that taking time for yourself means that you have taken time away from others.  Selfish?  Of course not.  If we don’t keep building ourselves up, repairing what breaks, then we run the risk of being rendered utterly useless to those who need us most.

My wife and my boys need me to be present, to be refreshed.  My direct reports at work need me to be a leader and a coach for them.  My peers need me to be someone with whom they can work and on whom they can depend.  My boss needs me to keep my corner of the organization up and running.  The people driving next to me on the highway need for me to be awake.  The babysitter needs me to remember to pay her.  My friends need me to be there for them, if and when they need me.  

I think taking a moment to honor a commitment to myself is a pretty selfless act.  In my humble opinion.

What about you?