Are you busy? Do you take care of your home, your kids, your spouse, and your car? Do you volunteer? Work a full-time job? Are you involved in organizations? Do you give, give, and then give some more? Do you take the kids from one activity to the next? Are you always there for a friend in need?

When was the last time you took care of yourself?

That’s right, when was the last time you did something for yourself? When we neglect caring for ourselves, we end up becoming empty. If you don’t change the oil in your car and put gas in the tank, you end up with a heap of metal that does nothing. Caring for ourselves is the gasoline and oil that keeps us going.

We must care for ourselves.

We have all heard the saying, “If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of someone else.” Well, it’s true. We are so busy doing for others, we forget to take care of ourselves. When we don’t take care of ourselves, life is not as fulfilling as it should be. Taking care of ourselves helps us enjoy all the other things we do.

Want a cure? I got one.

It is the No-Matter-What list.

Grab a pen and paper and sit down. Take some time to think of things that you do to take care of you. Write them down. Choose a few that rejuvenate you. Keep it handy. Tape it to your bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator, at the coffee pot, or even on your computer.

Read it. Do it.

Make your No-Matter-What list a part of your routine. Don’t  let the day end without you having taken care of yourself, too.

Here is what my list looks like:

• I will wash and moisturize my face every day.
• I will exercise.  
• I will enjoy my morning cup of coffee. 

What will you put on your No-Matter-What list? Below are some ideas:

• Read
• Learn something new
• Get a mani/pedi
• Craft
• Go for a walk
• Play with the dog
• Take a nap
• Have lunch with girlfriends
• Enjoy a quiet moment
• Garden
• Play a musical instrument
• Play a sport (Basketball, tennis, bowling)
• Explore the local area
• Go shopping for yourself
• Take a bubble bath

Whatever is on your list, do it. Take time to care for you! Want to know what I’m going to do now? You got it.

I’m going to do something on my No-Matter-What list.

What will you put on your No-Matter-What list? What will you do for yourself today? Share with us!