Happy November!!! 

This is the time of year where Halloween has come and gone; and miraculously there is Christmas music playing everywhere you go.  For many, the theme of the holidays is about love, gifts, and cheer. For others, this time of year can be extremely stressful with the  thought of giving gifts, financial obligations, workplace issues and family concerns.  

In meeting with several people over the past two weeks,  I noticed a common thought pattern; a mindset; that people do not believe they are allowed to take care of themselves and that everyone else comes first.  This leaves the door open for others to pull people every which way creating lack of regard for their own needs.  Their mindset is that they DO NOT MATTER.

My message to my clients, friends, family and to YOU reading this, is that YOU DO MATTER!!!!

Let me repeat, YOU DO MATTER!!!!   

Let me give it to you this way, however you choose to treat yourself, is often how others will treat you.  Basically, you are teaching people how to treat you on a daily basis. Your message to those in your circle has to be solid. It has to be grounded in truth and the belief that you come first.  You cannot be effective in your giving if you have nothing to give.  If you are depleted of strength, wisdom, love and compassion, none of these things can be shared or given to another.   

It is my belief that Self-Care is Contagious.  I said this to a client recently and her eyes got big as she realized that she was responsible for how others saw her.  I took the time to explain my statement to help her understand the importance of self-care.  Here are my points to help you understand further:

When you model how to care for yourself, you are teaching people the following:

1. Your importance

2. How to value your time 

3. How to be sensitive to others

4. How to do the same for themselves in regards to their other relationships

Imagine if your life and your level of self-care became a powerful message to those around you.  Imagine if those around you began to do the same for themselves becoming more self-reliant, self-confident and empowered.  Imagine instead of giving all you have, giving a message of growth and strength.  When you begin take care of you, people begin to see you different. Although a few may be bothered that they can no longer suck you dry, many will be happy for you and will catch the bug to follow suit.  Self-care is important!!!! Self-care is contagious!!! This is a good bug to have, let's infect others!!!  Please take care of yourself!!!

-Selah (Pause. Reflect. Revive).