Slow down, and give yourself a break!

Just how important is it?

The title of this post is going to be my mantra. I’m realizing that I’m just trying to do too much, and when that happens I make mistakes. And when I make mistakes, I put myself down. This increases my stress, and I don’t take care of myself … You see where I’m going. It’s a vicious, downward spiral.

Like today, I interviewed Tom Wilson II, author of Zig Zagging: A Memoir and creator of the loveable Ziggy comic strip. I was thrilled to talk with him, but I was totally unprepared. The batteries in my digital tape recorder ran out mid-conversation. So I had to run to the store to get some because I was out. Then someone I was supposed to have an appointment with called, so I had to end our conversation quickly. Evidentally, I forgot to put it on my calendar. Oy vey!

I wonder how many other people out there are like me, trying to create the perfect holiday for their families while juggling a million other things. Enough, I say! Let’s just take a deep breath, slow down and give ourselves a break!

This is especially true for those of us living with cancer. For me, I need to make sure I allot time to take care of myself every day with exercise, nutrition and prayer/quiet time. Otherwise my immune system suffers, and I need as many of those little white cell guys as possible to fight this cancer!

I had to laugh when I was talking with my therapist  -yes, I’m in therapy, and I highly recommend it! I was telling her how my husband gets worried if he sees I’m getting stressed.  He’ll say, “Don’t get stressed!” And then I feel pressured to be more calm … and get more stressed. It’s hilarious!

So yes, the best thing to do is to laugh at myself – it’s a great stress-reliever – and slow down.

I will share my interview with Tom  in Monday’s post. Iwould highly recommend Zig Zagging; it’s terrific! Through Jan. 19, Tom is donating 100 percent of his proceeds from the book to the Lance Armstrong Foundation if you order it from this site: http://zigzagging.hcibooks.com/2009/11/18/welcome-livestrong-members//.

You’ll learn more about Tom and his book on Monday. In the meantime, have a relaxing, fun weekend!