What Would Make Me Feel Good Right Now?

/ By
iStock_000028250798Large.jpg

This feature was written by PromoKitchen Chef Jessica Hutwelker  Sunrise Identity

iStock_000028250798LargeIf you’re anything like me, honoring ourselves and our needs is one of the hardest things to do.  From the moment we wake up until the moment we go to bed, often times it seems that the day does not belong to us.  It belongs to serving everyone and everything else in our lives—our loved ones, our clients, our companies, our commitments.  Inevitably the following happens at one point or another—we become burnt out from taking care of others, become resentful that no one has taken into account our needs, and become frustrated by the mountain of obligations that just never seem to ease up.  It can definitely be overwhelming.

However, the most critical thing to being able to serve others in our lives—and to do it from a healthy state of mind and being—is to recognize and fulfill our own needs first.  Coming from a place of wholeness and fulfillment, rather than putting that expectation on others (and resenting them when they don’t see it/acknowledge it/get it/do it), creates a tremendously powerful ripple effect.

One of my favorite techniques that I came up with several  years ago, and have shared with others, is asking myself throughout the day “What would make me feel good right now?”  Maybe it’s taking a 5 minute walk, writing a quick note to a friend, doing some push-ups, meditating or reflecting, tackling a project that has been consuming my mind, and/or calling up someone and giving them a compliment.  It could even be going out on an errand that has been on the to-do list for the last few months.  The key is to acknowledge, honor, and tend to that need right there.

While I know there will inevitably be exceptions to the rule and they cannot always be taken care of in that moment, there are a multitude of positive emotions that come from this exercise:

  • Self-Acknowledgment: Taking responsibility for your needs and happiness
  • Self-Worth: Honoring yourself and making yourself matter
  • Self-Esteem: Feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment
  • Self-Confidence: Feeling that you do have control of your day and what you do throughout it
  • Self-Respect: Putting your needs first and tending to them

This little technique over time makes monumental shifts in mindset, belief, behavior, and attitude.  Be kind and good to yourself—it makes a tremendous difference in how you interact with yourself and others. #empoweredyou