“But let [a]your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” Matthew 5:37a
How hard do you work at keeping the promises you make to other people? Do you put the same priority on the promises you make to yourself? I have a feeling you don’t. I can definitely tell you I don’t. It wasn’t until I was listening to the book “Girl Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis I even realized it was a problem.
I spend so much time letting my “yes” be “yes” and my “no” be “no” for others, but spend no time doing it for myself. As pointed out in the book, the reason is simple, I’m not putting myself on my priority list. I’m putting taking care of others ahead of taking care of myself. The truth is, I can’t take care of others if I don’t take care of myself.
That’s hard to swallow. It is also hard for me to swallow that I am a priority. I have spent so much time training myself in the JOY principle: Jesus, Others, Yourself it seems wrong to move myself up the list. But is it really moving myself up the list or being able to accomplish JOY better?
I didn’t really consider it a promise to myself, rather a goal for this year, but I committed to doing two classes a week. A realistic goal I can achieve. It’s turned into doing Hot Yoga three times a week. I’m seven months in and I am stronger and healthier now than I was a year ago. I am able to care for others better because of this one “promise”. My joints aren’t hurting when I get up in the morning. I can walk without limping. I’ve lost weight. I even sleep better. All of these things make me a much nicer person to be around. I’ve made good health a priority. I’ve made my good health a priority and the rewards are paying off.
When you make promises to others do you rush into them or do you take time to think it through? When we don’t make promises lightly to others, it enables us to make sure we can keep them. It’s no different when you make a promise to yourself. Whatever it is, make sure it’s realistic and doable.
Here’s an example of the latest promise I have made to myself: fine tune my diet. I’ve been slipping on my eating goals. I need to get back on track. I’ve been telling myself for weeks I needed to do this, yet I haven’t done it. Thanks to a good friend who has helped me understand what I need to do, I now have a promise I can keep.
She pointed out to me there are four components of eating healthy: Planning, Shopping, Cooking and Consuming. After many conversations, I realized my downfall is in the planning process. I definitely do not have a problem consuming. My husband does the cooking (yes I am very grateful). What woman doesn’t love shopping? However I’m failing to plan which is sabotaging all of the other four parts.
Here’s how I am going to keep this promise to myself. I have made reminders. Wednesday is my planning day. I am to come up with a meal plan for the following week. Thursday is the day my friend is going to hold me accountable to completing Wednesday. Friday is shopping day. Sunday is meal prep day. Then let the consuming begin. I’ve made a promise to myself and I’m determined to keep it.
What promise have you made to yourself you haven’t kept? What can you do today to start keeping it?
Keep Your Promise
