Priorities

Priorities are tough. Not on the surface, I’ll admit, but when you really dig deep – identifying priorities is tough. I never realized that until I followed Chalene Johnson’s system in the 30 Day Push and in her journals – way back when I used them. Her whole process consisted (consists?) of taking inventory of not only the things you WANT to be priorities but also of the things you make priorities based on your actions or choices on a day-to-day basis. Want a reality check / smack in the face? Look at your choices – honestly – and see what you have made the priority in your life. If you’re anything like me, the reality is humbling.

So, let’s take a look at those first, shall we? Rip the bandaid off… Looking at my last couple weeks, exhaustion has been the most prevalent characteristic. Not exactly a priority, but it has led to a TON of extra sleep – simply because I could not keep my eyes open. I’m guessing my therapist would say that means my priorities are everyone else (especially my husband) to the point that I forget myself. She’s also probably not wrong. So, for my first priority, I’ll say whatever my husband wants…

Along those same lines, I’d say my second priority lately would be rest and the ability to achieve rest in a safe environment. What do I mean by that? Simply put, I have made myself spaces that are just for me – and my dog. Because, let’s face it, she makes me feel loved and valued – which I need to feel safe and restful.

The final priority I’d name based on my time? Work. I give a LOT of energy and time and myself to my job and especially to my students. I’ve often said that my mission in life is to make people feel seen and heard. I feel this especially strongly with my students. I teach nursing, and nursing school is HARD. For me, it was two of the worst years of my life. If there is ANYTHING I can do to make it more bearable for my students, I want to do it. Hard stop. I will say, though, this priority is often at odds with the priority of my husband.

When preparing for this post, I spent some time also thinking about what I WANTED my priorities to be most. Here’s what I came up with:

Interestingly enough, for the first time in a long time, my desired priorities actually align pretty well with my actions. Also interestingly, I think these items are going to be a big part of what this blog will contain once we get in our main groove. Translated: I’m going to use this blog to reach those goals – and if you’re willing – I’m going to take you along with me. Are you up for a blog that encompasses physical health, spiritual health, self-acceptance/care, and housekeeping? I know, that’s all a tall order, but I know *I* need to improve in these areas…I’m hoping there are others out there with the same struggles. Maybe we can even help each other along.

You in?