Women are nurturers. We are wired to care for and love those closest to us. We are givers. Constantly giving to our husbands, our children, our bosses, our work mates and even the beggar on the street. But we are notoriously bad at giving to ourselves.

For many women, taking an hour for themselves to get a pedicure results in feelings of guilt and wasted time. How many times have you heard your friends say, “I’m just too busy for that.” Are we really too busy or have we bought into the lie that we are not worth the time and the effort?

If we do not take time to look after ourselves – body, soul and spirit – we will run out of steam sooner rather than later. The best way to serve those around you is to ensure that you are getting what YOU need first. That is why, on those dreaded airplane safety talks, they insist that you put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. We will have nothing to give if we have not made time to receive something for ourselves first.

So today, take some time for you. Walk through the mall, meet a friend for coffee, read a magazine, get a massage or just take 10 minutes to sit quietly in your garden enjoying nature. You are worth it. You are beautiful and loved…