Self-Care Part 1: Defining the Problem

Do you have trouble remembering to take vitamins or other supplements?

Do you struggle finding time to eat right and exercise?

If your answer is like mine, a resounding YES, here’s the big question: WHY?

This is the first blog in a five-part series on self-care. As I listened for the Lord’s voice during my quiet time, I pondered these questions.

Why is it so difficult to take a few supplements every day? It takes about 15 minutes a week to portion them out into the little pill containers (you know, the daily reminder containers because we can’t remember whether or not we took them), and less than a minute to take them every day.

Yet I forget.

Why don’t I eat better? I go to the grocery store every week to get food for the week. I choose healthy vegetables, fruits, and other foods. I make a plan for what I’ll eat for meals and snacks. Excitedly, I put away the groceries and look forward to preparing and eating what I bought.

Yet when it’s time to eat, I often grab the nearest, quickest thing to eat.

Why am I not exercising? We joined a gym/aquatic center that is 10 minutes from home, and I started swimming for exercise. In the beginning, I went 2-3 times a week, and felt so good each time I went. I made a plan to go mid-afternoon when the gym is quiet, and worked that into my schedule. I’m on my own time now – working at home – so I have plenty of time to go.

Yet I don’t go…there’s always something else that needs to be done.

OK, this is not rocket science. All these things are simple to do and require little time. I have the time. I know the benefits: I feel better, have more energy, sleep more soundly, and lose weight.

I even wrote a book about being intentional with spiritual fitness, and made comparisons to what it takes to be physically fit – same intentional principles.

I know what to do, I just don’t do it. Instead, I have a million excuses.

So back to the main question: WHY?  

Why are these simple acts of self-care so difficult?

Why am I not motivated to change?

Stay tuned for Part 2 on Wednesday: Receiving the Answer.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE: If you struggle with taking care of yourself, seek the Lord on why it's so difficult. If you've found success, please share what motivates you.