Over the past couple of weeks, many of my new clients have entered my office feeling burned out, overwhelmed with responsibilities, and heavily disconnected from themselves and God.
After taking the time together to figure out why, it was clear that one major issue is they had basic needs that were simply just not being regularly met- like eating fresh food consistently, getting enough sleep, or intentionally taking time to slow down every day to journal and connect to their heart. It was leaving them feeling emotionally and physically whip lashed.
It sounds like a simple solution though, right?
But what was so frustrating for these men is this wasn't the first time they've been stuck here. They wanted to reach for more (and rightfully so!). They wanted to push for who they could be. They wanted to do something remarkable, worthwhile, and daring... but care for themselves? Again, they wanted to be more. And it’s true, they could be. But unfortunately, taking care of their basic needs was a mountain they had yet to conquer.
As I thought upon the situation further, I realized that what often happens to us men is we get so trapped in the struggle of trying to take care of ourselves consistently that we never find the space, health, or energy needed for the psychological work we desire to do.
And before we know it, a decade goes by without making any lasting changes. And maybe even another. It's sad and it happens far too often. But it doesn't have to be this way. This is why if we truly want to reach for our potential, our basic needs must be prioritized. According to the research, it's a non-negotiable to becoming who you were made to be.
Maybe you feel like you've been neglecting to care for yourself, you know it's holding you back, and this resonates with you...
If so, try to take the next three months to prep for battle and get your life in order. Make your bed daily. Clean your room. Wake up early, guard your sleep, and don't stay up unnecessarily late. Take care of yourself like you would a friend. Make a plan and schedule your week. It's ok to take the next three months to focus on your physical health just as long as you know this is only the beginning... And make the changes you want to make today. Not tomorrow. For tomorrow will morph into six months before you know it. Schedule a session with me. Or with a nutritional therapist (if you need referrals I have plenty). Start buying healthier groceries. Go to a workout class with a friend. Journal daily. Try something, anything new.
You know you were made to fly, to reach for more, to be all that you could be.
But first, rest up, eat, and sharpen your sword...
No warrior intentionally walks into war unprepared.