I think we all need to take time for ourselves. We all should make the effort to care for our personal needs and do what fulfills us. It’s part of following dreams and living to the fullest. Yet, I find myself thinking of something our pastor said during our church service. He stated an idea so simple and straight-forward, yet so vitally important.

It’s not about me.

I know I have plenty of selfish tendencies. It’s human nature to not want to put others first. Or to put God first. Or to look at the overarching reach our actions may have outside of ourselves. However, I know I can’t deny my life bringing me more joy when I do approach things in that manner. It’s not about me.

Tonight, I want to remember…

My body is not all about me. My body is about treating it with love and care so it can live a full life and have health, strength, and vitality to be there for others.

My blog is not all about me. My blog is here to hopefully motivate, encourage, inspire, and give back to others even the smallest bit. As you all so often give back to me…more than you can know.

My (our family’s) income is not all about me (us). It is about giving back because every cent belongs to God and not to us. We must pay forward the blessings He has poured upon us.

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My time is not all about me. My time is about appreciating my chance to live and to use opportunities to spread love and fully experience life as God intended.

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Yes – I must care for myself and my own personal needs, as I did with fitting in a workout for my sanity…but it’s still not all about me. It’s about ensuring I can become the best version of myself, only so I can give more of myself to others. It’s not all about me. And I don’t mind it at all.

What is something outside of yourself that brings you great joy and fulfillment?

Hello, friends! Didn’t expect to hear from me again so soon, huh? Well – today is a two post kind of day. Sometimes its easier and quicker to put things into two posts. Plus, I have a lot to talk about this week for some reason. Two giveaways. Body After Baby progress update. Life in general.

This morning I awoke in a funk. I had that emotionally, mentally, and physically drained thing going on. I did not want to kick off my week in that mood, so I tried to change it around with a trip to the gym. I did my typical Monday morning routine and staked out a spot to run through a quick weights circuit a few times.

Today’s circuit had my heart pumping quite quickly. Gotta love when that happens!

I really pushed myself with this circuit. It’s tough going through those moves back to back with NO stopping. I also accomplished a new record for push-ups. I did the first two sets ALL on my toes and just the last 5 on my knees in the last set. Push-ups always kill me, so it felt great  to see improvement there. Maybe one day I will get back to doing push-ups with weight added to my back. Awesomeness.

After my weights, I strapped on my spinning shoes for my favorite way to cross train.

And I have to say – if you spin regularly…buy some basic spinning shoes. They really do make a world of difference! Love mine!

Once the 50 minute class was over, I left the gym feeling a bit better, but still not quite my normal, chipper self. I ended up going through the day pretty despondently. I was just going through the motions of playing with the kids, handling everyday duties, and prepping for final exam crunch time with the girl I tutor. I hate that because I really do try to appreciate every moment God offers me in this life.

By the end of the day I felt better because I kept working to shift my focus. I can’t stay in a sour mood for too long. It helps to recognize the many blessings that surround me. I mean think about the troubles that those in Tuscaloosa have faced recently! When Callie asked me to share about a Blogger Baby Shower to help send aid to families with young children in need, I knew I had to get in on the action.

All you have to do to participate is visit the baby registry set-up through Amazon by clicking HERE. Purchase something off the registry, which includes items in a variety of price ranges so anyone can help. Your purchase will automatically ship to a church in Tuscaloosa that will help get these items to those who need them most. As an added bonus – all who contribute will automatically be entered to win a $50 HomeGoods gift certificate from The Inspired Housewife.

Please take a moment to stop and consider helping. Don’t just go through the motions of life, expecting someone else to step up to the plate to help those in need. Let’s all do something about it!

• What is a fitness gear item you think really makes a difference?