As I write this blog I am sitting in my father’s bed by his side as he is resting under the covers. I am taking into action the title of this blog: “Remember to make time for those closest to you-including yourself” by being with my father, who is also one of my best friends.

Being right in the middle of trying to obtain a Pepsi grant to help me publish my book I have found myself feeling non-existent to those closest to me. All my time before and after work I have chosen to dedicate to spreading the word about my grant.

The great thing about times like these is that our bodies know when enough is enough whether they convey it to us by being tired, stressed or anxious. From these feelings we can begin to make a conscious effort to change our situations to be better physically and emotionally balanced. What made me aware of this important piece of advice (make time for those closest to you-including yourself) was exhaustion, feelings of being overwhelmed and lack of time to even talk about day to day events with my husband, family and friends.

In our lives there will be events that we partake in that are so meaningful and passionate to us that we may lose sight of everything else around us. That has currently happened to me. I have recently gotten calls from some of my best friends saying, “Hey Renee just checking in on you. Have not heard from you in a while. Making sure you are okay. Call me when you get a chance.” When I am unable to keep up with what I write so passionately about (friends) then I know I need to slow down and as my husband says, “Smell the flowers.”

I truly believe that everything that is meant to be for the better of the world will be regardless of self imposed timelines. In saying that if a time ever comes when you feel like you “have to” do something and it is imposing on your quality time with yourself and those closest to you remember that you can always choose to do what “you” want to do. The only person that can make you do anything is “yourself”.

So right now check in with yourself: How are your connections with those closest to you? Are you giving your time to those that are closest to your heart or have they fallen through the seams. Make an effort to reestablish or continue to grow the bond with your loved ones-including yourself.