Listening to the Needs We So Often Ignore

The lurgy has well and truly struck the Waller household over the last week. Mainly the children, actually. Which has resulted in my youngest daughter, who is approaching 1, co-sleeping in my bed, whilst my eldest is with my husband! It’s the only way either of us could get decent sleep.

As I lay next to my daughter, with her head nestled into my arm for most of the night, it made me think about how much I care for her, and how I’d do anything to help her. And then I had another thought. I care so deeply about my daughters, but why don’t I always offer that same level of care and compassion to myself?

And I know I’m not the only one, because of the conversations I’ve had with other women.

I remember a friend mentioning recently that she can get so engrossed in trying to get things done because she only has such a small window of child-free time — and as you know, that time is precious, so the speed of all activities increases tenfold! She said she will often delay going to the toilet, even though her bladder is screaming at her to go.

Hands up who has done that too?! Mine is certainly up for that one.

But can you imagine if a child said they needed the toilet? We would stop everything and take them immediately. Yet so many of us ignore our own needs without even thinking twice.

And it’s often the same in other areas too.

That prolonged sitting at the desk even though your neck and shoulders are aching. Pushing through exhaustion because there’s still dinner to cook, washing to fold, or emails to reply to. Feeling run down and craving rest, but continuing anyway because life doesn’t pause and there is always something else needing your attention.

Gosh, the examples could be endless, right?!

I share this as a reminder that you deserve that same care and attention too.

I’ve used children as the example here, but whether you have children or not, many women spend so much of life caring for others, emotionally, physically, mentally, that our own needs can quietly fall to the bottom of the list.

But listening to your body matters too.

I know it’s easier said than done. We don’t always have the luxury as adults to simply stop. But there is usually something we can do. Whether that’s allowing yourself an early night, moving commitments around so you can finally make that appointment with a trusted healthcare provider, getting outside for a walk, or simply going to the toilet when you need to!!

As the well-known saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

You deserve to be looked after too.