The pandemic has presented each of us with struggles which have stretched and changed us. Learn why you should celebrate the lessons you’ve learned from failures and reward yourself for strengths you didn’t know you had.
In Volume 22 of this guest series, Psychotherapist, Dr. Francis L. Battisti and Nutritionist, Dr. Helen Battisti discuss why we should reward ourselves for the lessons we’ve learned during the ever-changing conditions the pandemic has forced on us.
For over 10 years, they have worked closely with us on aging concerns and have presented many webinars and in-person workshops. Their newsletter, The Zone, is a weekly mental health and nutrition tip sheet during times of change.
Throughout our lives, we have all worked hard to meet the challenges that have been set before us. We may have moved beyond our expectations and, perhaps, we found new strengths that we never knew we had. On the other hand, we may have fallen flat on our face and wondered if we could overcome the obstacles before us. Our lives are a combination of both successes and failures and they all need to be celebrated. Some of the most remarkable discoveries are generated from failures. Thanks to Alexander Fleming, a “sloppy” scientist, we now have penicillin. It took over 36 different failed attempts to create the perfect cereal flake known as, Wheaties. And, if you ever use a Post-It-Notes, you can thank Spencer Silver for failing to make a super strong adhesive.
It’s time to reward ourselves with a meaningful thank you. We are working hard to keep a balance during the chaos of today’s world. Giving to ourselves is equally important as is giving to others. While it may be different to give to oneself, it is important to keep in mind that we are the only ones who know what we need.
Key Takeaways
- Everyone’s life is composed of successes and failures.
- Some of our worst failures can lead to our greatest successes.
- It’s important to give to ourselves.
Best Practices
- Do not wait for others to give you what you need to give to yourself.
- Giving to yourself could be as simple as giving yourself permission to take an hour to read, to meditate, to walk, or to take a nap.
- Start your “bucket” list today.
Things to Limit
- Thinking you are the only one that can do “it”.
- Agonizing over failures.
- Losing yourself to the chaos of living.
In summary, we have all been given special gifts unique to us. While it may seem selfish to give ourselves rewards, it is important to be mindful that self-care makes us stronger and better prepared to handle life’s challenges.
Quote of the Week
“Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.”
–Parker Palmer
