In this season of giving, we make time to see family and friends. Rushing from one party to the next and falling into bed exhausted from giving of ourselves to everyone we feel we have to… when do we make time for ourselves?

In my work, people come to me wanting to know how to get back control of their lives. When we review their calendar and their family’s calendar, it is often filled with obligations and not passions. We are so busy planning for the future, that we forget to live in the present. How may of us have calendars completely filled with social obligations that we dread attending? Or, are our children running from activity to activity participating in sports or lessons that they do not enjoy?

I hear so many complain that they are exhausted from doing so much for others and feel guilty for saying no to an invitation or request. When did saying no become so full of angst and anxiety? What are we teaching our children if we expect them to do well at school and then schedule them for the equivalent of a part time job with activities? Are we teaching them to be workaholics or that enjoying life is not the goal?

What about ourselves? Are we living a meaningful existence running from one obligation to another? Wearing ourselves out by depriving ourselves of sleep and relaxation? Do you take time to reflect on your goals, desires, passions? What are you doing to feed your soul?

Making time for yourself is an act of giving. It allows you to be the best that you can be for yourself and others.