How often have we heard comments like “there are not enough hours in a day” :”stop and smell the roses”, “we are only given what we can handle” or “don’t forget to water the geraniums”.
Life is busy, we are all- juggling multiple commitments – work, family, friends, community, etc. We can commit (and overcommit) ourselves – voluntarily and involuntarily – in so many ways that we may feel like a piece of playdough; kneaded, stretched and pulled in many different directions.
Sometimes however, in the pursuit of selflessness we can lose our sense of self and may need to realign our personal compass and focus on ourselves. While as Christians this may seem paradoxical – (Matthew 22:37-39), Jesus also taught us that we need to take time for ourselves, to renew our body and spirit –
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. So they went away themselves in a boat to a solidary place. (Mark 6:30-32)
I came to the realisation several years ago that I needed to make time for myself and “water my own geraniums” even though the juggle makes finding time hard. For me, this is taking time most days to go for a walk. I am blessed to live behind 30 hectares of bushland reserve. For me, taking 30 minutes out of my day to walk through the reserve is enough to recharge my mind and spirit, especially if I am lucky enough to spot a koala or wallaby!
Make sure you take time to water your own geraniums and ask yourself what do you do for your you?
Rebecca Bray
Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
