How often do you stop long enough to determine how you are feeling?

In the age of mental-health decline, we often pay attention to initiatives such as 'R U Ok?'

But how often do we ask this of ourselves?

Why don't we afford ourselves the same care and concern as we do others?

Begin by noticing. Notice when you are experiencing a feeling.

For example, if I am feeling "lazy", that may be another word for calm and relaxed - why do we judge this feeling as lazy?

If I am feeling like I am procrastinating, am I really just in need of fun? If I am feeling tired, what am I tired of?

Am I doing things that have little value to me?

Begin to check in with your feelings.

How strong is the feeling?

Where do you feel it in your body?

IN OTHER NEWS:

What do you think this feeling is telling you?

Once you find an answer, decide what you can do to meet that need.

Determine achievable steps that will help you get there.

All too often we are taught to think and search outside ourselves to find answers.

We are conditioned to believe that "something out there" will make us feel better.

More money, more time, more possessions. Do they really work?

We need to teach ourselves and our children to turn inward.

Create a relationship with ourselves that is so secure, so nourished and loving that we resist asking for it or paying for it.

What is it that YOU can do to make yourself feel better?

Every time you find yourself saying, "I need ... or I can't ... or if only," turn inward and find the feeling and the need and take a small step to meet that need.