Welcome back to Second Chance to Live. I am happy to see that you decided to spend time with me. For the past several days my body has been fighting a bug. I am on the mend, but not quite ready to jump over the moon. Through my process I have become aware of certain realities. When I am hungry, angry, lonely, tired or sick I am more susceptible to stinking thinking. What I mean by stinking thinking is that I am more susceptible to negativity and discouragement. Through self-awareness I am able to recognize that I need to practice self-care. Self-care enables me to take responsibility for what I need.

As I take responsibility for my needs I take the necessary steps to re-focus and find my center. If I am hungry I can get something to eat. If I am angry, I can slow down and journal about why I am angry. If I am lonely I can call a friend or go to a meeting and interact with other people. When I am tired I need to take the time to rest and if I am sick I need to slow down and get extra rest to let my body heal. In addition to extra rest, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated; taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C to boost my immune system and following my doctor’s orders all become an essential part of healthy self-care when I am sick.

Self-care is not selfish, as some might suggest. Through practicing healthy self-care I aid my ability to be responsible for my own needs. When I take responsibility for myself when I am hungry, angry, lonely, tired or sick I am empowered. As I am empowered I use my re-gained energy to create with my being. When I create with my being, my destiny is made manifest one day at a time.

Today’s thought

Today I will be remain conscious of what I need. If I am hungry I will eat to give myself nourishment and energy. If I am angry, I will make the decision to own my frustration and determine what needs to be responsibly addressed. If I am lonely, I will not isolate. Instead I will reach out to my friends or I will become a friend.

In the event that I am tired, I will take whatever time I need to rest. If I begin to feel run down and sick, I will seek medical attention. I will take extra time to rest and let my body heal. I will own responsibility for my needs. I will be empowered each day because I choose to practice healthy self-care.

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