Have you noticed that 2019 seems to be flying by? When I stopped to think about the fact that we are already three months into the year, I realized that I had spent most of my time during those three months not focusing on the things that are most important to me. In looking back, I saw that almost all of the things on my to-do lists had to do with what was on someone else’s priority list, and not necessarily at the top of mine. While this may be human nature to focus on what seems urgent in the moment and not on what is personally important, I am determined to change that for myself. I don’t want any more months to careen by without spending time on what is important to me!

Beginning to focus on what is at the top of our own priority list may feel awkward and a little selfish at first, and you may encounter resistance from your inner critic telling you that you’re being irresponsible or uncaring, or a thousand other ways of derailing you. One way I’m finding of side stepping this inner voice is to start small. I have found that beginning each day asking myself, “What is most important to me today?” is a good and non-threatening way to begin. Start simply, decide on one thing that is important for you (yes, you, not everyone else!) to do during the day and put that at the top of your “to-do” list. Put a star by it if that helps to reinforce your commitment to yourself. And commit to doing that one thing for yourself and your priorities – make time for it and do it!

So far, I’m finding this seemingly simple little technique is working. And the more I commit to and begin to take action on my own priorities, the more clearly I see how important it is. This doesn’t mean that I ignore all my other responsibilities, but it does mean that I am honoring myself and my energy more and learning to value my time in a new way. I am learning that by honoring ourselves in this way we become whole, and when we are whole and living more in line with our own values and our own truth, we can be of greater service to the world. This month try putting yourself at the top of your priority list and see what happens!

Please join me and the amazing women of the Santa Fe Chapter of TTN for our inspiring programs and lively events this month. Our monthly program on April 22 nd (Earth Day!) is our Anniversary Celebration of the founding of the Santa Fe Chapter of TTN. We hope you will join us!

 “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

—Ellen Wetzel