Where Do You Rank On Your Priority List? by Suzanne Scheideker Cook
“Make your own recovery the first priority of your life.” - Robin Norwood
You may have noticed that I haven’t posted a blog since February. Why? The answer is because I did not take care of myself and it caught up with me. In late January, I collapsed and was rushed to the hospital for an infection in my leg that had gone to the bone and an irregular heartbeat. I remember thinking when the paramedics took me outside that it was a beautiful day – the kind of day that is captured on postcards for tourists. Enjoying the warmth of the sun, I also realized I hadn’t been outside in several days because I’d been “too busy.” I have spent the last few months in and out of hospitals, and it has given me a lot of time to reflect.
One of the conclusions that I came to was that everyone and everything was ahead of me on my priority list. How had this happened? Here are some questions that may help you to see if you are at the bottom of your priority list.
Do you take short breaks throughout your day whether it’s at work or doing household chores? If not, why?
When was the last time you went outside to relax, i.e., do nothing?
How long has it been since you’ve had lunch, dinner or drinks with a friend or family member? (Being under the same roof but sitting in separate rooms watching different televisions shows or playing on your electronic device without talking to each other doesn’t count.)
Do you have a regular time to exercise whether that’s taking a short walk or preparing for a triathlon?
When was the last time you saw your doctor? Why? If you are sick, do you take the time needed to get well or do you “push through”?
Do you live in the moment or do you live by saying, “when I retire…when I get a house, etc.?”
Are you living your life or the life someone else expects you to live? Have you gotten away from what is important to you?
Do you meditate or pray daily? It has been proven that meditation and prayer are beneficial for your soul, mind, and body. (Some surveys have even suggested that prayer and meditation can increase your lifespan.)
When was the last time you took the time to thank someone who has made your life easier? Are you grateful for what you already have or are you chasing after what you don’t have?
Do you celebrate your triumphs – big and small? Most of us only celebrate the big moments when most of life is spent in the small moments. Learn to enjoy and celebrate these moments too.
Your personal challenge this week is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the act of concentrating on the task that you are doing currently and enjoy it. As Russell M. Nelson said, “Your life will be a blessed and balanced experience if you first honor your identity and your priorities.”
