Prepared to Scream ...

Listen to the whisper

before it becomes a scream.

Oprah Winfrey

In our fast paced, immediate gratification, and time managed lives, we rarely can hear the small voice inside calling for rest or love or silence.  We are so busy caring for our family or committed responsibilities there is little time for the self.

It probably begins with a small fragment of thought like, "I need a time out."  Then perhaps a desire arises to meet with a friend, but when?  Trying to coordinate schedules can be even more stressful.  Thoughts of getting away, even to the grocery store without the kids would do, but that might be as difficult as escaping to a spa for a day. 

Then we begin to bargain with ourselves.  When I get this, this, and this done, I will carve out some 'me' time.  The little whisper by this time, however, has turned into a whimper. 

To continue to disregard our inner self, forces our inner emotions, thoughts, and stress to interrupt our sleep.  To a greater extent, they may even present in our dreams or in the form of a nightmare.  The voice is out and out crying by now.

Neglecting to meet our original need causes us greater problems.  Our nature or personality shifts into someone we really don't want to be.  Not only are we angry with the world, we are loathing ourselves, prepared to scream.

We all have needs.  Having needs is part of the human experience.  We cannot afford to wait for someone else to meet our needs.  It is vitally important to self-care! 

We must know and understand ourselves in order to recognize and meet our needs.  We come to realize we are better towards others if we first take care of ourselves, not in a selfish way. 

Once we have determined what our personal needs are, then we make plans to meet them.  Is there a movie we want to see that our mate doesn't want to see or we are waiting for a date?  We can go by ourselves or invite a friend.  Miss flowers that our mate used to bring?  We can buy them for ourselves!  The point is enjoying the opportunity ... a gift to ourselves!  Like Bissenger's Chocolates?  Splurge just this once.  Can't afford a massage?  We don't have to be a reflexologist to rub our own feet! 

Get creative!  Read Jennifer Louden's THE WOMAN'S COMFORT BOOK or THE COUPLES COMFORT BOOK to generate fresh ideas to meet needs.  When we quiet ourselves, the little voice will whisper to us ... you are worthy, you are capable!  Don't wait until the whisper is prepared to scream!