Take care of yourself

One of the areas that I struggle is helping friends and family who simply don't take care of themselves. Everyone needs help and that is not what I mean. I mean things like choosing not to take medicine or go to the doctor at all. I know that the doctor doesn't always have good news but choosing to just pretend you didn't hear it doesn't help either. One of the things that really makes me crazy is folks messing with the dose of their medicine. I have one relative who considers one of her medicines to be "rat posion." She might have a point but it is keeping her alive so it is hard to respond. I find that I am forced to spend so much time taking care of myself that I just don't have the right words sometimes. I have a friend who decided he was not going to take some meds that he really needs to take according to his doctor. I don't really know him well enough to tell him that but it really makes me worry.

A great way to help other people is to help yourself first. I used to feel bad about time spent away from my family but I know it is in their best interest. My daughter will gladly watch a cartoon while I do my "work." My husband is happy to get me home in time for whatever is next on my list. If you are wondering how to make a difference, here are a few easy suggestions:

Schedule a visit to your doctor
Take the test that you have been trying to avoid
Listen to your doctor
Take your vitamin
Make healthy food choices
Get some exercise

I can not begin to help my friends and family as much as I like. I like to cook. I like to travel. I like to visit and play cards. I like to dance. I just don't have as much time to go around as I would like but I am taking care of the most important things. Sometimes it isn't a lot of fun. It really is important for all of us.

Blessings,

Cindy