Most people I know lead pretty hectic lives-you probably
do, too. And that requires quite a balancing act.

How do you stay in action and still manage to keep your
tank full? How do you balance the discipline of follow
through with self-care?

You start by focusing on yourself first.

That may sound selfish, but most of the time we do it in
reverse. We give so much to those we work with or those
who depend on us that we start to hurt ourselves.

When you start feeling uncomfortable, when you start
feeling resentful, when you start getting angry, then you
know your tank is running on empty.

This is an area that requires ongoing care and maintenance.
It's like taking care of your lawn. Your grass may be green
and beautiful today, but if you allow two or three weeks to
pass without watering, you may suddenly realize the grass
has turned yellow or brown and may be dying.

When you don't tend to your needs, passions start to wane,
dreams begin to fade, and relationships suffer. This is when
you must shift your focus back to your needs.

As you do, make a distinction between self-care and
self-indulgence.

Don't be spending every day at the spa or shopping all day
long at the mall. But do treat yourself to an afternoon that's
just about you, where you have the luxury of your own
space. Do take that extra hour at the gym. Schedule a
massage. Block out time for meditating or journaling.

Giving yourself permission to fill your tank is not an
indulgence. It's what you need to rejuvenate and recharge.
This isn't optional. You need to fill yourself up so you can
continue to serve others and stay in action.

Finally, give yourself optimum energy by being accountable
for your body.

Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritiously, and exercise regularly.
Your body truly is your temple. You only get one, so care
for it and love it, and it will respond accordingly. Consider
it an investment in your energy so you'll have what you
need to follow through on your dreams and desires.

Think of one thing you can do for yourself this week, or
even today, that's sure to fill your tank. Then go do it!