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I choose ME!

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Today~I choose me!

Daily I am bombarded by so many choices…All around I have a list of things I want to do that is a mile long:

I want to paint the rooms in my house,
Organize my garage,
Have a garage sale,
Organize the kids rooms,
Decorate the kids rooms,
Do a craft time with the kids,
Go shopping for new clothes,
Learn how to play golf and tennis,
Take voice and dancing lessons,
Get the kids involved in AWANAS,
Give back to the community…..

But, first I have to choose me…I MUST learn to take care of MYSELF first!
So today,
I choose me over my house
I choose me over my friends
I choose me over my community
I choose me over watching television
I choose me!

By choosing me today, I will dig into my thoughts, goals, dreams, desires and GOD’s plan for ME!   I will then be in the correct state of mind to take daily steps closer to my dreams.  Today, I choose my fitness and health; I choose to be a great mother/wife and I expect that my actions will  help other women realize they too can live their dreams!!

Have a wonderful day,
Michelle

Comments

comments

202 Replies to “I choose ME!”

  1. I tend to do the same andnot take enough time for myself. I get up at 4 in the morning monday to friday for work, and when I get home I take care of my doggies, take care of dinner for me and my boyfriend, and then do what ever else I can fit it before I have to go to bed. It’s not often I get to take time for myself. I think it’s important to take time for yourself.

  4. its very easy to get lost in everything else but yourself…..changes are coming for me soon!

  5. if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!!
    that should fix any guilt we have over putting overselves first!!

  7. I wish I had not waited so long to understand that “self-care” benefits everyone in my circle-my friends, my coworkers, etc. I can’t serve others if I am not healthy mentally and physically. I’m glad I finally understand this, and am beginning to really live by this.

  9. Aint that the truth. We often forget about ourselves when we have so much else going on in our lives.

  10. I love this one!!!!! Thanks for reminding me that it is alright to focus on myself as well.. the more I give myself.. the more I can give others!

  12. I totally agree Michelle. I just had this conversation with my husband that I have to make time for me to be able to be the best I can be for my family. It just makes sense!

  14. I strive to put God first, DH second, Kids next, and me next. It’s important to keep it all in balance. If I don’t take care of myself, then I can’t take care of the kids. I just try to remember to make sure that one aspect of my life doesn’t get too much attention:)

  15. I really liked this blog. This is something I also keep telling my Mom. Working out in the morning is my way of putting me first.

  17. Probably the greatest source of frustration in my household…such resistance when I need to take care of “me”! Already no tv, no socials, no sleep…at least let me have my workouts!

  18. Day 23 – I am so glad I joined this challenge. The positive tips and info has all been awesome!

  19. Yes, we need to take care of ourselves so we can take better care of others. You look good in green Michelle 🙂

  20. There is an old illustration about this that I have heard that I hope will be helpful. When on an airplane, the flight attendants say to put the air mask on yourself and then your child. They illustrate how your child will be safer, when you are able to breathe and then take care of your child. So yes, taking care of your own body will translate into better care of others. Oh, yeah and prayer and fellowship with God first makes it all happen so much better. Thanks Michelle

  23. I think we as women are very guilt ridden~ and we need to STOP that! as long as we do our best and our hearts are in the right place, that’s all that matters!

  28. I think that we always want to aim for balance and have wished for more time in the day. Now, I try to focus on having “more LIFE in my day” – great song by Christian artist, New Song.

  36. I am so sorry to hear that~ PLEASE take action to get yourself some time! for me it was joining the gym and using the childcare 🙂 It was my “sanity time”

  37. You are so right Michelle, I must choose me because only when I am happy with me and being the best me God intends, only then can I be what God needs me to be for my family, my friends.

  38. Great post 🙂

    I second your suggestion about measuring your food. I will add a tweak however. Some foods like oatmeal are really best measured by weight not volume pre-cooking rather than post cooking. I weigh everything I eat. You can pick up a small electronic scale literally for $5 on Amazon which will weigh up to 150 g (also does oz) fits in your pocket and goes with you. I love mine and swear by it.

  39. Every since I found I out I was insulin resistant I have had to weigh my food portions…and at first to my amazement a cup or .5 cup is actually very much smaller than the portion sizes I imagined. I have lost many inches since starting and notice that even when I am trying to binge I can’t because my mind and my tummy get full really quickly now!!!!

  40. I always measure/weigh the foods I eat. It really helps!

    It’s very important that we take care of ourselves first so that we can be better at taking care of all the other stuff!

  41. Great post! Sometimes we need the OK from others that it is wise to take care of ourselves to be the best we can for ourselves and others. As caregivers, taking care of ourselves is a must in bringing our healthiest mind, body and spirit to the table. The energy I have for my to do list is so much greater if I have taken care of myself first. It is not a selfish act but one God intends for us to do. How much better servants we are to God and others when our mind and body are healthy. Thank you for addressing not only the body but our minds and spirit. How it all ties together. May you receive as much JOY as you bring to others Michelle.

  43. It is amazing when you take care of yourself, everything else falls into place:) Thanks for the advice!

  44. I’m not in the habit of measuring my foods however as the school year approaches, I will do this as I pre pack my meals.

    I agree with taking care of yourself first because when you are happy, your kids are happy. I was struggling with some issues earlier this year. My pastor’s advice was to go back to working out because as long as he has known me, it has been something that I enjoyed. I let the needs of others come first and this is how I got away from working out and reaching my goals.

  45. I actually started to get teary eyed reading that because I DON’T choose me and it shows. I sit here looking at my house that needs to be cleaned and organized, my kids that I should be playing with instead of being on the computer and all of the other things I need and want to do. I realize that when I do choose me I feel guilty. I deserve to choose me and today I will choose me without the guilt!

  46. Onward to Day 24. Frustrating day yesterday with work. I lost the whole day without a workout. Did do vacuums and stretches throughout the day.

  48. Measuring out serving sizes can be a real eye opener. I was eating way more than one serving. Now I follow the serving guidelines on the packaging (most of the time).

  49. It’ so nice to see that other women have the huge list of “I should’s” to. You are right though… some it’s all about me time is a must!!!Thanks for the reminder:)

  50. Measuring can seem like a hassel but when you just start dumping this and that together you have tripled your meal and not even know. I chose me first thing in the morning when I begin my day with workouts. I also chose me when I start measuring my fuel.

  53. The only thing constant in your life from birth to death is you! If you don’t learn to take care of yourself & nourish yourself what are you going to do when things around you change?

  54. That’s just what I decided to do this morning. I went right down to my basement and worked out! Right after…I feed the kids and the animals, started the laundry, etc. I’m trying to take even a few minutes a day and just read or gather my thoughts. I sometimes measure my cereal, then fill the rest of the bowl with blueberries and strawberries. Yum!

  56. OK great workout yesterday….somehow I need to get the food under control. I can start out and do great for a week or two, but then something comes up and I fall off the wagon….then I have a hard time getting back on track. Any suggestions?? I am a total chocoholic.

  60. I have several animals..3 girls 1 boy, a husband, a dog, a cat, a bunny, a guinea pig and a bearded dragon!

  61. It can be hard to take me time with kids, and the other things demanding my time. I look at going to the gym as a part of me time. the kids are involved in there activities and I can focus on my work out. I try to have some me time in the morning to pray, journal and read the Bible, I need to be better at this as I have gotten out of the habbit. feeling lots better and should be back to normal tomorrow.

  63. Michelle…..Your to do list looks just like mine……really…..so nice to know there are other women in this world with major goals like mine…….Latley I have been having me time on facebook with my friends from high school…..hubby is a little jealous…..but o well….I cant be at his beck-n-call all the time, right?….I can see my body changing with the more weight I lift……I love it!!!

  64. 8:00 tonight..second to last softball game of the season…flag football to start in October!

  67. I think you are suffering from what I call HIF~ hormone induced failure. Have you read my book?

  68. I love this post! I am sooo forever struggling with taking care of me!! UGH! So…”Thank You” for the reminder!!
    Had a great run this am – and will prob. hit the gym this afternoon for some light cardio.
    xo

  72. Great message!! That’s what I am planning to do for the next 2 weeks while on vacation.

  76. Another great workout with my friend Amanda! We did legs today. 7 for 7 abs are showing quick results as always! 😀

  79. took a long time to learn this lesson because women are not raised to do this ..it’s considered “selfish” … yeah, selfish until you have a nervous breakdown and you’re not good for anyone around you.

  81. I am still learning this one! I have a 10 month old at home, I work full time and my husband travels… there seems to be little time left for me. I am realizing how important it is to do something for me every day.

  86. Sometimes it’s good to put ones self first. It’s something us mothers find the hardest to do, but doing so can be benefit the whole family. It’s amazing what a little me time can do 🙂

  88. so true,, its hard to put me first,, i always put my kids first,, well not always.. i get my nails done, and i have my gym time.. other than that its mostly all about the kids.. We do need to find the time for ourselves though, and its not being selfish,, if we take care of ourselves, we will be in better condition to take care of whatever else we have to..

  89. so true,, its hard to put me first,, i always put my kids first,, well not always.. i get my nails done, and i have my gym time.. other than that its mostly all about the kids.. We do need to find the time for ourselves though, and its not being selfish,, if we take care of ourselves, we will be in better condition to take care of whatever else we have to..

  90. I have been last all week– my energy has taken a tole and I need to get back on track!

  91. It’s amazing how easy it is to put ourselves at the end of the list. Thanks for this post to remind us to put ourselves first. If we don’t do it, everyone else we’re “working” for isn’t getting our best.

  93. I am working right now on putting me first lately, It is tougher then youthink but that is the only way I will know ME!

  94. great advice today. Thank you Michelle for the reminder. I had a great shoulder and bicep work out today. I have been using 21’s in my work outs.

  97. Good tip for today. I think finding balance is hard. That is sort of what I am working on right now. I am always in extremes and I need to find middle ground!

  98. It is important that we live seeking the will of our Father. If we are not in His will, everything will be wrong. It is something that I need to work on.

    Hope to get a good ab and upper body workout in later.

    Had about 1/2 soccer practice last night.
    Lora

  105. Thanks for the reminder MIchelle! Its sometimes hard to put myself first when there are so many other things! I feel incredibly selfish. But this will be advice I will try to live by everyday! Thanks!

  107. it is nice…and it has to be balanced, but without taking care of ourselves first sometimes we can’t GIVE to others.

  108. I think I’ve finally learned, after 14 years of having kids, that if I put God and me first, everyone else ends up happier and more content in the long run. Thanks for the encouragement!

  111. Day #23….great advice, I can’t remember the last time I did something that was totally for myself

  112. MIchelle – That is a wonderful post! I think that is exactly what I needed. I am always forgetting to take time for myself. my lists are always overwhelming too.

    Tammy

  117. It’s so easy to put yourself last when you are a wife and a mother. When I put God first and pursue his plans for each and every day though, everything seems to go sooooo much better.

  118. Am a little lost, am starting today the 40 day fitness plan and I don’t know where to comment to keep me accountable? can anyone tell me please.
    I jogged a 5k today, am feeling great!.
    DAY 1

  119. Wll if you are on day 1 you should comment on the day 1 featured blog post….
    Day #1-FIT tip-
    Just Do IT!! Nike’s slogan is enormously successful for a reason. In order to be FIT…JUST DO IT!! Turn off your brain and just get moving. Strive to do “something” towards your fitness goals at least every other every day!

    Day #1-Feature-

    Please comment on the blog for your accountability~ stay focused…40 days to FIT!!!

    Just DO IT!!
    xoxoxo~
    BuffMother, Michelle Berger
    http://www.BuffMother.com
    BuffMother LLC

  120. WOW….
    I REALLY needed that today of all days. I always get told that my priorities are not right-yesterday again as a matter of fact. My philosophy is that there will always be clothes to be washed, folded and put away. There will always be a dish in the sink, a toy to be picked up, etc. If I don’t do things to make myself happy and feel good I can’t make anyone else happy. I think I will use some of your verbiage on my facebook post today. Like I said couldn’t have come at a better time!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! 🙂

  121. Yes a cup is way smaller I been doing that for awhile. I also have been giving some time to myself because I have been last on the list for a long time

  129. Ppl look at me like I’m crazy when I measure my food. I don’t care though at least I know what I’m eating!! I always tell them they would be suprised if they new how many calories they were eating.

  132. My eating has gotten off track …. will start back using my measuring cup.. i want the scale to go down down down…….

  139. I am committed to measuring everything this week to keep myself accountable. It is the twins birthday this week…so no cheating for me!

  142. I just wanted to say thank you for posting your workouts. It’s great to have new and different workouts to try! I used to bodybuild and was training for a competition a few years ago. I was 11 weeks out of the show and had to pull out because of health issues. I’m now a mom, and healthy again. Thanks to your website and the 40 days to FIT i’m now EXCITED to train again! For the past few years it wasn’t in me anymore. I didn’t get enjoyment out of weight training, but now i’m excited to pump some iron and reach my goals again!! Thank you!! 🙂

  143. Cool to hear you are excited again~ lifting is so fun when you know it’s giving results!

  144. Good thinking. The old saying is if Momma aint happy, no one is. When I feel good, everyone around me typically feels good. Positivity is just as catchy as negativity.

  145. I KNOW my portions are waay to big (the measuring cup it a great idea). When I read your blogs I find myself saying (lots)… why didn’t I think of that!

  146. thanks for sharing these beautiful , encouraging words!!!enjoy the day!!!

  147. I believe it is so had for mom to think of themselves (after God) deserving or in need of taking are of themselves so they can take care of others that much better. It does feel selfish does times but honestly is a 15-20 minutes nap selfish if it recharges me for the rest of my duties that day. If I did not have the power nap I would be “mean mommy”. I have now patience to begin with an when I am tired it is worse and then I find myself yelling. So do what you need to be a better version of yourself without overindulging of course.

  148. I totally agree and think when we choose ourselves we are happier & more able to help others!

  149. Time for me is becoming a reality in my life. I usually work out in the afternoon while my kids watch a movie. TV doesn’t get turned on until after lunch so they haven’t lost interest and I can really focus. There are times Asher, my 4 year old, gets down and works out with me! It sure is great to see the positive effects of what I am doing!

  150. My kids are now teenagers, and I am finding it easier to find “me” time. I will admit, I wasn’t very good at it for a long time; I always put my kids and husband first, but that wasn’t a very healthy decision for myself! ~ I ran sprints, did walking lunges and skipping around the local football field after work today. Also worked Abs. Yay for me!! (-;

  151. Way to work it!! And way to choose you~ you must take care of your body so you can enjoy your blessings and fulfill your purpose in life!

  152. That sounds like a great routine!! You are being a great example!! Making working out as routine as brushing teeth 🙂

  153. I made this descion when I started the fourty day challenge. If I didn’t start caring for me the other stuff wouldn’t matter because I would no longer be healthy enough to enjoy it!

  158. Thanks, we need to take the time to care for ourselves so we can care for our loved ones! I needed to be reminded of that today too!

  162. I definitely notice my attitude towards my family on the days I don’t choose me. I’m crankier for sure, but the days I do choose me I’m a better wife and mother!

    Thanks Michelle

  163. That’s so hard to do without feeling selfish. Yet, I feel so refreshed and willing to give to others after I take time for myself.

  165. I think about this every day, taking time for my own health and well-being. I have made it a point to make my work-out time an appt. and stick to it, though I am flexible when necessary, but I don’t skip. It pays off! :o) I also have a long list of things I want to do and sometimes think “I could get “this” done if I didn’t go to the gym”, but then I immediately remind myself to keep my priorities in line. It all works out.

  166. Putting yourself first and your time to just be…be with God…be with your own thoughts and taking care of yourself physically and spiritually is hard but essential especially for busy care giving mothers. We have to fill our tanks so we can give our whole heart to our family. You are absolutely right. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂 happy day!

  167. Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m been working on choose my self for about 3 months and I found out that is very hard. Support from your family and friends is very important, so when I feel like cleaning my house or doing something else other then take care of me, I call my best friend and he tells me aloud “take care of your self first” and go to the gym. I love his support and appreciated yours!!

  168. Amen! Thank you so much for this reminder, I very much need to hear this from time to time 🙂

  169. Good word for the day. It is hard to take time for me. But I am better all around when I do. Thanks for the encouragement!

  170. this was so powerful and I needed to hear it and internalize it…thank you!

  171. Woke up today very very sick so I suppose I do need to care for ME!

  172. This is one that I have a hard time with so I’ll definitely work on it this week. Great idea…now I need to make it into a habit!!
    PS Have I said that I’m sore this am?!!

  176. thanks michelle! I seem to always loose sight of myself and what I want instead of others! Yesterday I did Boot Camp for ME! and I am so proud of myself for getting through it!

  178. This is the hardest thing for a woman! I’ve struggled with it. I have chose ME when I finally put my foot down and said “No! I’m getting a gym membership, a personal trainer, going to the gym over doing things for you!” I’m saying YES to ME and no to YOU…get used to it!!!! Since doing this, I’ve been happier and enjoy my husband’s company MORE! And he appreciates me more too!

  179. Great advise! I really need to this but its so hard. I sometimes feel bad for taking time to workout. I work 8 to 5 and try to workout during my lunch break but that doesn’t alway work. I’ve been trying really hard to tell myself that its ok to take that hour after work for me, that my kids will be just fine. Why is it so much easier for men to do this then women?

  180. Well….men seem to have their struggles finding time too, but it’s true that so much of the “HOUSEHOLD” burden is still falls on the womens shoulders- you are supposed to be super woman! Just do your best! This season in your life will change…but realize the sacrifice you make to take care of yourself benefits you long into the future. If you wait until you have time, you won’t.

  181. Great advice. I’ve been trying to find time to meditate every day for the last month and ‘life’ always seems to come first. Starting today, I’m going to take those 20 minutes a day for ME!

  183. All you write is great advice! Both the measuring cup and the “you must take care if yourself” advice. Sometimes I feel to get that I should change my whole way of life… I really need to think about that.

  185. That’s wonderful! Merry Christmas! I choose me today too! I did not workout today and was feeling guilty but I have a bit of a cold/maybe sinus infection and I hope that the rest will help me heal?

  186. This is what I needed to hear. We just built a house and for 9 months I put everything and everyone in front of me. And of course I put on a few pounds. So, now I am focusing on me. I am working out 6 days a week and eating healthy. I am also focusing on keeping an eye on the stress in my life.

  187. After 6 and half hours of exercise (and then putting on .4lb) Im resting today…But I know the wt gain is just the hormones!

  188. Feeling great today!! Today I did slow and heavy, legs and shoulders. Im feeling that workout. im sure I will be sore on tomorrow. Today Im baking chicken and I will have a tossed salad with it. Looking forward to a fit and healthy week.

  189. D23 Worked out arms and abs today. Watched some movies with my workout at home, and cleaned the house after. Went for a long walk last night with hubby, before he left for work. Did legs yesterday, it felt great!

  190. I have to remind myself to stop and do something for me once in a while. We can’t take care of our families if we can’t take care of ourselves, nor can we take care of our to-do lists if we are not healthy/well. Thanks for the daily reminders.

  193. I measure EVERYTHING! Then I started measuring my kids food and they were SHOCKED at what a “REAL” serving size is!!

  195. I have to measure most of the time……. Funny how my minds eye always estimates the portion out larger!

  198. laughed at someone’s comment about choosing the Olympics over themselves!
    every day is a choice, but sometimes there is little time where choice is an option……….hence I must claim early AM and an early bedtime…or try to!
    measuring and weighing food is a must!

  200. Its so hard to choose yourself over things like work and cleaning….. lol need to work on that. On the plus side, i got to work out with my husband for the first time yesterday!!! 🙂

  201. Wow…..I need to start thinking about ME for a change. I think about EVERYONE before myself & I find it hard to keep my own personal goals because I get caught up in everyone else’s goals before my own. I would love to say I will focus on myself more but I don’t know if I can.
    Maybe it’s time to try……….

  202. Yep as momma’s we get pulled in so many directions– at least TRYING to put your goals up higher on your priority list will change the quality of your life– you may even find it helping you in take care of others

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