Invest In You!

The words Invest in You are constant reminders we tell ourselves daily, words expressed in many ways from our family, friends and colleagues to remind us to provide selfcare, remain professionally relevant, or simple reminders that we matter enough to give time or a pampering moment to ourselves. These reminders echo as constant reminders to women as we are the least likely to invest in ourselves first before giving of ourselves to work and to our family.  For women, and I will speak for me as an example, putting these words into action is challenging because women are built to be the providers of care and not the receivers.  This has been my challenge and one that I am learning daily to conquer.  I have not been putting me first or prioritizing my needs above others or work.  

As I have progressed through the military ranks and government grade levels, I realized in the beginning of my career I had to work hard putting my needs second or third just to get ahead, prove my worth, and to ensure my family/children was cared for.  I found myself working around the clock in support of my job and family and I placed me second or third to everyone and everything else. Latey, I have been intentionally taking care of me (investing in me) by managing my time and setting boundaries with work.  This has allowed me the opportunity to be in control of my ability to apply self-care e.g. hair and nail appointments, not putting off medical and dental appointments, and eating- yes eating lunch and not working through lunch.  Most recently, my mornings start with a cup of coffee which has allowed me intentional moments to digress and think through my day.  Something as routine as a cup of coffee sipped in a still moment vs. grabbing a latte on the go has proven to be a huge investment in my well-being.  

To Invest in You may have different meanings to each person, but for me it means providing self-care, being ready for the next opportunity, putting time and energy into making my current state and future life better.  It is a balance that requires an assessment of oneself and prioritizing.  This is what I have learned over the years: first you must know it’s okay to invest in you.  You need to believe that you can invest in you and still be all that you desire to be for others.  You can invest in you and still give 100% to your job and to your family and be successful in all areas.  You also must carve out time to invest in you with purpose and with intent.  

What has become apparent to me is that my mind and body hunger for the investments I am giving me.  My commitment to me is to continue to invest in me and I encourage all women to invest in you.  Find those moments that you have been putting off that you know you are hungering for and put it into action.  Make those investment moments your reality.  You owe it to yourself to invest in you.

I am honored to be a part of Shero Coffee Club and to be given a platform to encourage women to invest in themselves and become their best "YOU." So, as you sip your coffee think of how you will invest in you.