I don't want to sound cliché, and I know 79% of you already think this post is too long and have or will skip it, but... you are important! When you actually believe that, your life will change.
I hate flossing. I was always the person that lied when I went to the dentist.
Hygienist: "Do you floss every day?"
Me: "Yes [starting today]."
And that would last about 3 days on average.
A few years ago I realized that I'm important. That sounds silly, but like I said, I actually believed it this time. I realized that my kids look to me as an example for who they want (or don't want) to become. I realized that every relationship in my life had one common denominator: Me. I realized that day that I needed to invest in myself because I actually have an impact on my world.
I decided that I was going to floss my teeth every day. 😬 Now, that wasn't the only thing I did, but I really hated flossing my teeth. For no good reason at all either. I made tooth flossing a personal barometer. If I didn't floss my teeth on any given day, then I would realize that I wasn't taking care of myself. Conversely, when I did floss my teeth, I consciously reminded myself that I was important and that this act proved that I was important to myself.
It really is simple. Have you forgotten that you are important? Remind yourself.
Another thing I do is use Brut aftershave. Fun fact: I am bald by choice. I have hair and I actually have to shave my head at least every other day. That's a purposeful investment into myself. And after a clean shave, I like to put on Brut aftershave.
When I was a kid my dad would drive me 45 minutes to the barber that cut his hair as a kid. Not every haircut, but for special events or a treat, we went to that barbershop. He was the best. Every detail was like art to him. Crowds gathered just to hear him talk while he cut hair. He treated every person like they were the most important customer he had. When he was finished, he would take Brut aftershave and rub it on my ears and neck. That smell always reminds me of that experience. It reminds me that I'm important and deserve to be treated special.
So once a week, I take extra time to really get a nice clean shave. When I'm done, I take a generous helping of Brut and slap it all over my skull. The burn takes me back, and the smell brings old memories.
My guess is that flossing or Brut aftershave don't do the same thing for you. I'm also pretty sure that you thought of something that always reminds you that you are important. May I encourage you? Would you remind yourself how much you are needed? Would you treat yourself important?
I am. You are. Don't forget.
