The word I’m referring to is FIRST. That’s the position I’m putting myself in and I encourage you to do the same. CocoaMamas readers are some of the more self-actualized folks I know. I’m proud of the way we share, inspire and support each other. As a CocoaMama, it is easy to find something to do. Between work, school, being a wife/partner, daughter, sister, boss, employee, and 100 other things there is always opportunity for engagement. I’ve decided that I need to do more for me.
The change of seasons is inspiring to me this year. The transformation of the leaves is beautiful and the chill in the air means a change in fashion too. I like to think of fall as a season for renewal and this year I am focused on making it fabulous. Since I skipped the summer shape up I’ve decided to get fit for fall. I don’t make time to go to the gym but I am able to squeeze in some plies when I go to the bathroom. Since I’m drinking more water, I make frequent trips. TMI? Perhaps. I’m learning (finally!) that little things add up to big improvements over time.
I’m also taking a closer look at my diet, working hard to eat less processed food and be mindful that 40 may be the new 20…but physically it’s still 40, and things have changed. That one little hair that popped up on my chin in my 30s? Now it is GRAY and has company! Glowing skin? No problem – as long as I follow the multi-product system my drier 42 year old skin requires. I had a blood pressure scare last month and I want to do my part to make sure there are no repeats. I make sure that my kids drink organic milk and always have fruit available, but I eat on the run, drink sodas and don’t sleep enough. I’m sure that the stress of knowing what to do and not doing it doesn’t help my blood pressure. As I’ve gotten older I also feel a certain anxiety about what I haven’t done, often failing to acknowledge my accomplishments. This of course produces more stress, which leads to ice cream and potato chips, high blood pressure and sleeplessness. Enough of that! I have a plan…
My Focused on First plan includes:
- Going to the doctor (internal medicine and GYN) and dentist
- Buying fabulous glasses, giving my eyes a rest from contacts
- Listening to live music
- Saving money, getting fiscally fit
- Updating my fall wardrobe so I can look as fabulous as I feel
- Sleeping more
What does your me first plan look like?
First focused links:
Woman First – great song by Kindred the Family Soul
Need beauty info? Check out AfroBella
*I have to give a shout out to one of my Twitter BFFs, the lovely & talented @aaw1976 for her feedback and encouragement (turn off the TV!).
CocoaMamas 
Love the post! and the Kindred link! I didn’t know this song.
My F plan includes walking around feeling like a million bucks whether or not I look like it. I want my attitude to inspire me to actually pursue looking better. I also want to continue to surround myself with beautiful people, inside and out in the interest of it rubbing off.
On practical terms, I’ve started walking downtown and back (eight miles a trip), three days a week. I have been fairly consistent with this and am going to try and put this before the stress of being back on the job market, though that’s difficult.
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Great plan! I believe that other people’s energy impacts you, so beautiful & positive people ought to inspire the same in you. Great job on the 8 mile walk! That is wonderful 🙂
What kind of work are you seeking? Let’s reduce some job stress by networking, who knows who the CocoaMamas know?!
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LOVE THIS! Our commitment to self should include creating a world around us that mirrors who we are… and I think Cocoa Mama is CRITICAL to actualizing that! I’m inspired and invigorated by this post!
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