About 3 months ago I attended a personal development class. I had the most awesome pleasure of listening to a lecture given by Martin Latulippe. One of the comments he made was about the importance of taking care of oneself first.

My first thought was, “How selfish?” Then, as I listened to his illustration of the flight attendant describing how to place the oxygen mask on you before helping others, it became perfectly clear.

I heard these exact instructions many times as I flew on a plane. This time it was different. If I am in no shape to help myself, how can I possibly help others? The questions that swirled in my mind were dizzying.  What a major turning point for me.

I was in a very dark place before attending the personal development classes. A place I am sure many women out there can relate to. I was working outside of the home in a j-o-b that was totally unfulfilling. I spent 60 hours a week working and then came home to work some more.

When I finally hit my brick wall I knew that I had to take action before something awful happened. I felt like I was actually going insane. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Had I not taken action and attended that personal development class, I would not be living the life I am living today.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and like you are spread too thin, take immediate action. Whether you pick up a book, enlist the help of a life coach, or enroll in a class, take action. The resources at your disposal for personal development are enormous.  In doing something, you will change the way you feel.

Invest some time in yourself. Here are three simple suggestions to start today:

Take a 20 minute walk. The energy of nature is rejuvenating. While walking, reflect on the things you are grateful for.

Spend 20 minutes relaxing and meditating. Focus on gratitude and positive thoughts.

Create an empowering affirmation. Keep it in your wallet and read it as often as you can.

Invest some money in yourself. Don’t feel guilty about spending a little money on yourself. Sure a new pair of shoes can make you feel good, but that is just spending money on yourself. I am asking you to invest in yourself. Pick up a book or enroll in a personal development class to help you learn why you feel stuck. Learn what your blocks are, why you have them and then learn how to remove them.

There are no more excuses for doing the same thing every day and expecting different results. If you feel stuck and out of control, take action today, so that you can take care tomorrow.

Invest the time to make it a great day, you deserve it.