Most recently I have encountered quite a few women who revealed to me that they have been diagnosed with or are battling some form of cancer. Some of them are treatable, and expected to beat the odds and many others are not so fortunate.  You never really know what to say when you receive this type of news. My heart aches for these women and I always pray for each and every one of them to beat this monster that’s wrecking havoc on far too many. Hearing the stories of these women has me pondering on this “moment” called life,  forcing me to realize exactly how fleeting our moments here truly are. Many of us wear more hats than we realize; of which we do not choose. We work tirelessly, day after day, month after month, annually and continually to progress to the “next level” in life; whatever that may be. Working ourselves tirelessly so we can earn more, which enables us to buy more, which then compels us to create more desires, which we then have  to pay for, thereby causing us to need to work more and so on, and so on… And in the midst of it all, we  are expected to cook, clean and everything in between! And, if we’re fortunate enough, just maybe we’ll be able to take an annual vacation – just maybe.

But I’m wondering, how many of us ever stop to actually take a moment to ENJOY our lives? I mean to truly savor every waking moment.  There are only 24 hours in each day, how much of it do we actually expend doing something nice for ourselves?  I understand that work is an absolute necessity (for most of us anyway.)  But what about ALL those other ohhh so precious aspects of life that we tend to simply take for granted? Many of us never really have the opportunity to savor family time, and as parents  we often don’t even recognize our children’s growth or the lack thereof, because after the hustle, bustle and grind of the week is through with us, we’re simply too damn tired to pay attention. How many of us remember the last time we took notice of things as simple as a butterfly, the chirping of birds, the whispering of the night wind or the celestial sights over head. I gather to say not too many; I’m even willing to place a wager on it.

I too was once guilty of  not knowing how to “truly enjoy” my life and the fruits of my labor because  like the lives of so many, mine too was filled to capacity  and spewing over with handling my busy*ass*ness  and “doing” for others.   So much so, that it had gotten to the point  where I had the audacity to feel guilty for taking time or doing anything solely for myself! – Knowing full well that I was far too exhausted or stressed to move another muscle. But, I would somehow manage to come through for anyone else – except myself, if it was something specifically for me, I would always  put it off until… translation – I would never get to it. Well, I don’t know about you but I’m in the process of recovering from what I have personally self diagnosed myself as having- and termed: “Ms. Busy-as-hell-aholic” “Hello, my name is J. Jones and I am a busy-as-hell-aholic” – Now, go ahead, say “Hello” – I know I’m  NOT the only member attending this meeting, there are millions just like me.

The buck stops here! Although I am capable of performing incredible feats of heroic nature, bringing home the bacon – frying it up in a pan, while simultaneously taking care of any, every & all things – for each, every  & all in need… (and making it look damn easy I might add)  No, I am NOT superwoman!!!  So, Alicia keys – shut it up! I am simply a woman who has allowed life, business, the needs of others, and the pursuit of accomplishments to place entirely too much sh!% on my plate. Well, I don’t know about you, but I am a work in progress when it comes to tackling  this “Relax and take care of ME” obstacle. If you too are guilty (and you know who you are,)   join me in repeating  OUR new daily Mantra…

“I will take time for myself on a daily basis.

I will ONLY do what I can, as long as it doesn’t impede upon what I want to do for MYSELF.

I will learn to appreciate all that life presents me with and TRULY enjoy the fruits of my labor.

I will not allow anyone to impede upon my “ME” time.”

Now,  go and do something relaxing specifically  for YOURSELF!  – You have definitely earned it.