“Many of us harbor hidden low self-esteem. We deem everything & everyone more important than ourselves and think that meeting their needs is more important than meeting our own. But if you run out of gas, remember that everyone riding with you will be left stranded by the side of the road, too.” – Bishop T.D. Jakes
So there I was yesterday, midway between one conference call and another when I heard a sound.
Snap – Crackle – Pop and it wasn’t Rice Krispies.
It was my neck. My poor old chicken neck feeling like it’d been wrung out to dry.
Daylight savings time. Back to back meetings and conference calls, schedules and deadlines, reports and more.
And then I remembered something I’d tucked away. Something I’d saved for a day just like this one. Something that I knew I’d keep for just the right moment.
What was it? A massage gift certificate from Hubbs – a Christmas present that lived in my purse for nearly 3 months.
My hands trembled as I dialed the phone … “What’s that? Yes, you can see me today? At 5pm? Sweet!”
Oh I didn’t just walk out the door, I’m pretty sure I galloped.
My phone was off. My whereabouts … unknown.
For one glorious and blissful hour I wasn’t in charge of anything or anybody.
Just my breathing.
Ahhh.
When’s the last time you stopped to make sure your tank was full?
related:
- Savoring the Honey Jar
- Time outs aren’t so bad after all
- Fill ‘er up
- When did we all become Firemen?
*all Google images
Filling my tank in Australia. Yoga 3x a week, hikes and snorkeling. So important to fill our tanks!
I love it, Sandi!! I am picturing you smiling while snorkeling in that beautiful water 🙂 Cheers! MJ
Thanks MJ
Posting that quote on Facebook!
God Bless
You are most welcome! That quote just has to be shared, and I’ve posted about it a few times now … a great reminder, I think 🙂 MJ
:0)
Good for you—it’s so very true—you gotta take care or you’re gonna run dry :-), I may just have to use my gift certificate too!
Absolutely! Call and make that appointment soon 🙂 Last night, Hubbs saw me relaxed and gently stretching … he said, “Wow you really did enjoy that massage didn’t you? You ought to go more often!” And I just smiled and said, “You are such a smart man!” Cheers! MJ
Oh, how wonderful. I’ve never had a massage…I really need to schedule one! Good for you, MJ. Have a wonderful, STRESS-FREE weekend!
It’s unbelievably wonderful. Sometimes painful on the tender spots .. but always … delicious! Now Hubbs, who is a Virgo and lives in a touch-free zone, would never be able to handle a massage. Too jumpy. Me? I’m putty in their hands 🙂 MJ
Good for you. I need to get a massage more often. And the woman I go to is also my Reiki Master, so it’s a two-fer treatment. Working on filling up my tank and letting go of old stuff by seeing a hypnotherapist weekly for a while. Just started last week. Going to a movie this morning with hubby, while the kid is in school today.
good for you! Love that you are making regular time for you .. it’s a lesson I’ve had to learn over & over again. Bests! MJ
I rarely take my phone or anything when I’m out with Penny on the chaparral. That’s a great time for me just to be with my thoughts and be off the grid.
that’s perfection, Steve. I think that time off the grid – away from the constant whatever – is imperative to our mental and spiritual growth. I’m sure Penny agrees 🙂 MJ
1977
you are overdue, my friend! MJ
Now that the kids are grown (and I’m self employed) I almost feel guilty because I do have the ability and freedom to keep that tank full. I keep it topped off all the time. I know all too well, the feeling of running on empty….do not remember those days fondly at all. loved that second picture especially 🙂 dm
I picked that running hen just for you, DM!! I knew you’d “get” it — she’s sure in a hurry isn’t she? You’ve got wisdom to feed your soul on a regular basis .. smart man!
MJ
Honestly, I can’t remember. (Great post)
Then I think it’s time, don’t you? Cheers David!
MJ
Sounds divine! How is the neck now?
It’s much, much better 🙂 thanks for asking! MJ
Sundays, MJ. Every Sunday I strive to fill my tank. I sit. I read. I walk. I eat. Basically, I do whatever I want to do at the pace I want to do it. Today, after church, I took time to catch up on WordPress posts (like yours), took a nap, had a bit of yummy junk food, and wrote a little. My tank is filling, and I will be ready for a new week.
You had my kind of Sunday 🙂 Love it, LD.
MJ
Sounds like you should turn that into a more regular event. Bravo.
Agreed — that’s what Hubbs said, too. I let him think he was the smartest person in the world when I readily agreed 🙂 MJ
Great quote, and so true. Nothing like a massage for an escape from “the real world.”
I’m still daydreaming of it!!
MJ
I just recently had my first-ever massage (a full body!) Mine was also courtesy of a gift certificate from the hubby. So I know what a treat that was for you! (Can’t believe I’ve been missing out on these all this time!)
Ooh — and now that you’ve had it (and enjoyed it) … You’ll suggest it for a gift idea again, right? 🙂 Everybody wins!
MJ
Pingback: Otterly wonderful | Emjayandthem's Blog