Helping People Navigate Changes In Life

Elisabeth Caetano, M.A., M.F.T. (619) 687-9013


 
 
 
Newsletter #4

What Are Your Needs?

In the hustle and bustle of today’s pace of life, with the carpools, kids, job and other life stresses & obligations, you may want to take a moment and ask yourself; What are my needs? You may answer, I don't have any, or I don't have time to have needs, but it is important to stop and think. If your batteries are on empty, then how can you really give to your children, partner, church or job? We all need things. The obvious needs are simple such as:

  • Breathing
  • Eating
  • Sleeping

But what about the more subtle things that you need? Here are a few questions to get you started thinking about this very important question.

What kinds of hobbies did I used to do? Did you read, paint, meditate, walk?

What makes me feel loved? A hug, a wink, a touch, some one else doing the laundry?

What did I used to dream of doing? Sing, dance, teach?

If I had free time just to myself, what would I like to do? Just sit, sleep, read, exercise?

Do you find that at the end of the day or week you feel cranky, frustrated, irritated, and exhausted? How does that come out? With most people we take it out on the ones we love, the ones that are closest to us, i.e. our husband/wife and/or kids. SO!... Ask yourself, how can I carve out one or two hours a week for myself to take care of my needs. Before you say to yourself, there is no way! Remember that there are 168 hours in a 7 day week. Is one or two hours really asking too much?

Your batteries need to be charged in order to give to others!

Ideas of things to do for yourself!

  • Journal
  • Put flowers on the table
  • Ride a bike
  • Take a bath/hot shower
  • Listen to your favorite music
  • Swing on a swing set
  • Give yourself a pedicure
  • Make a list of positives in your life
  • Watch a sunset
  • Take a nap in the sun
  • Write & mail a letter to yourself
  • Read an uplifting book
  • Exercise
  • Work on a hobby
  • Read a good magazine
  • Sit & deep breathe for 10 minutes with your eyes closed and visualize a restful scene

Life is not a dress rehearsal, Live for Today!