Have you asked yourself this question today?

Sometimes we forget about us. Sometimes we just forget we have needs, period. And because God has given us breath to breathe and life to live, we must remember, we should cultivate our living so we can continue to exist with peace.

I was contemplating on this when I awakened today. I simply asked myself: “What do I need?” I came up with at least five things I needed. I hope to get two of them met, today, at least two. And the rest by the end of the week.

Here’s my list~ I thought I might share it with you:

• I need a refuge.

• I need a friend to talk to, and just shoot the breeze with. Not plan, not think deeply, but maybe just to say hi to.

• I need exercise. (My body craves for it.)

• I need a really good word from God.

• I need prayer.

• Oh! …and one more… I need to go at my own pace. (I need to not be rushed, today.)

So tonight, I am going to Bible study, I am going to drop someone off where they need to be, because I cannot be there any earlier than they need to be there. ( Then…I will come back and take care of myself…); I will pray and find refuge in God, and by the end of the week, I will get away to a library or find a nook at Starbucks, sip on some tea, and just relax. Oh, …and I will go to the gym and maybe even get in the Jacuzzi. (smile)

I believe every day, if we woke up and asked ourselves what we needed; and developed a plan about how to get it -  we may not struggle as much as we do. If we only tried to stop, look, and listen to our body, our mind, and our spirit and adhere to what it informed us, we may be a lot better off. For me, being someone who constantly takes care of the needs of others; I often forget about me.

I teach a class with young ladies and we discuss meeting our personal needs  in five areas:

1. Our emotional needs - the places where we need to feel safe, affirmed, secure and supported.

2. Our spiritual needs – the place where we need to find refuge in God.

3. Our physical needs – the place where we find bodily relief from stress and physical agility.

4. Our mental health needs – the place where we consider and practice good choices and follow our values.

5. Our social needs – the place where we have fun and have acceptable and welcomed companionship.

Time to practice what I preach, huh?

Just a reminder…Take the time today, to TAKE CARE OF YOU. You’re definitely worth it.

Here’s a wonderful website to keep you keep on the self-conscious path:

http://counseling4christians.com/Scriptures/wisdom.htm