Like most people, I live a fast-paced life in which I have more responsibilities than I have time to dole out. I wind up being pulled in a million different directions, giving a multitude of projects or issues my partial attention until I’m too burned out to think. Needless to say, taking care of myself gets lost somewhere in the shuffle.

I’m not sure why it’s considered selfish to pause every now and then to have some “me time,” but I think most people are overdue.  Perhaps myself included.

So on this lazy Saturday I am going to make ten promises to myself. Ten things I will do for ME to keep my body and spirit healthy:

1. I will eat breakfast every morning. By breakfast I don’t mean a cereal bar on the way to work. I will eat something of substance with actual nutrition so I can start my day with a burst of energy instead of always dragging until lunch.

2. I will make a conscious attempt to take my vitamins every day and drink an adequate amount of water.

3. I will sing in the car as loudly as I please and I will not worry that other drivers think I’m insane.

4. I will engage in what the Captain calls “kitten therapy” on a daily basis. Purring cats are great for the blood pressure.

5. I will stop talking about going to Yoga Mondays and actually GO to Yoga Mondays.

6. I will realize that the people that regularly ask about my life are genuinely interested in hearing about it and I will foster new friendships with them instead of always hiding inside myself.

7. I will succumb to simple indulgences that make me happy like sharing a bowl of ice cream with the Captain, spending an afternoon reading blogs, or painting my toenails fun colors and admiring my handiwork.

8. I will not feel guilty for getting enough sleep. Sleep is important!

9. I will find at least one reason to laugh every day. If I honestly can’t think of a reason, I’ll allow the Captain to tickle me into a better mood.

10. I will learn to say no (or at least “not now”) when I have nothing left to give.

I think that’s a pretty good start. I feel more energized just reading over my list. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go snuggle my cats and crank up the radio.

(If you’ve been feeling burned out, depressed, or fatigued, I suggest you do this for yourself as well. Let me know how it goes!)