Check Yourself

 I was rushing around trying to find the right outfit for work. I must have tried on four different shirts when I realized if I didn’t pick something quickly and leave the house, I’d be late for my first client.

I decided on a basic black dress and black suede boots. I gave myself one last glance in the bathroom mirror, made sure there wasn’t lipstick on my teeth, and decided my outfit was acceptable.

I made it to work just in time. But my heart was racing, and my blood pressure was up.

After my second client appointment, I noticed an unusual pain in my lower back. I don’t know what prompted me in that moment to look down. When I did, I noticed I was wearing two different boots, with two different heights. In my rushing around to find the perfect outfit and get out the door, I never looked down to check my shoes.

With every crooked step I took for the rest of that day, I was reminded of how important it is so slow down and check in with myself.

How often do you find yourself looking ahead at the bigger picture, but failing to pause and also pay attention to what's right in front of you? 

We get so focused on the future that we often miss the present. We pack so much into everyday, checking in on our clients and our families and our teams... but how often do we check ourselves?

 And I’m not just taking about making sure your shoes match.

I have a friend who was so focused on a 3-month project at work, she failed to take care of her own health. She pushed so damn hard to meet the deadline, she ended up instead with a minor heart attack… and an incomplete project.

She's 41 years old.

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? Your eyes examined? Your lab work done? Went to se your doctor for a full checkup? For many people, it was pre-pandemic.

All the work goals in the world don’t matter if you aren’t well. Or chronically ill. Or in pain. Or completely distracted. 

When was the last time you had a massage? Meditated? Took a walk outside in total silence— without listening to a podcast or book— just to relax and appreciate the quiet?  

If it’s been a while, here’s your reminder that you deserve a rest. 

Take. A. Break.

Don’t get me wrong: I love goals. They’re motivating. They’re exhilarating to achieve. But along the way, it’s also critical that we pause. Rest. Check ourselves.

Planning for the future, and helping others do the same, is the career we’ve dedicated our lives to. But it’s also critical that we remind ourselves and our clients to appreciate where we are in this moment.

Pause. Breathe. Take a moment for yourself.

And before you leave the house, double-check your shoes.