The importance of being respectful and kind to others is something we are taught from a very young age. Most of us are really good at being good to others. But how often are we as good to ourselves? I have noticed that everyday we use up so much energy going about our busy crazy lives that we forget to slow down and take care of ourselves. Unfortunately, the result is we get sick (a cold, a muscle strain, a stiff back or neck). I know that I get caught up in the whirlwind of my life and at times I lose sight of the direction in which things are heading. In the midst of these moments I remember that I need to slow down and be gentle with myself. That doesn't mean that I stop “doing” and it doesn’t I don't accomplish things. Instead it means that I honor myself and take care of the needs of my body. Every day I look at a quote on the wall of the gym. It reads “take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live”. I believe this to be true! For me I always thought the gym was my place to turn off- but with tv and music my friends and my phone, it’s sometimes hard to really disconnect. I will always love my gym time but I have recently started to practice yoga and it has created a kind of automatic “time-out” for me. I turn my phone off, I completely disconnect from everyone around me and focus in on myself. How often do you “shut off” and disconnect for a time? This can mean different things to each of us. For some, it can mean going for a walk, being with a friend, going to a museum to absorb in art, meeting with a spiritual healer or leader in your community or just simply meditating on your own. I believe that putting our energy into ourselves helps create space for a more positive, loving, and accepting view of our lives. If you set an intention, you will be more cognizant on a daily basis and more able to replenish what you need before it’s too late.