Letting Superwoman Reign

By Nicole Irlbeck

The holidays bring out the best in us.  We want to give more, do more, and be there more for the things that matter most.  Some of us, despite the draw to merriment, have sorrow on our hearts and find the holidays some of the worst times of the year.  Whatever our disposition, giving gifts and time to others can bring some of the greatest rewards in life.

Think of the grand-daughter who spends her time over her college break taking a moment out or the pace of her life to visit her home-bound grandmother.  Or perhaps the times you have spent giving time to a food bank or feeding the homeless.  When we engage with others, it helps us to remember that we each a have a purpose and a place in this world where we are needed.  We can’t walk away from these moments without feeling like we did something meaningful and precious.

Barbara Bush once said, “Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.”  Interestingly, as we are opened up to the world’s needs around us, something automatically comes alive in us that calls us to search our hearts to find more meaning in our own lives.   You are important.  You are one of kind.  Giving is noble and natural when we think of it in the context of giving to others, but when was the last time you gave time and resources to yourself?

What are the things that given more time or resources you would do to honor your matchless life?  Superwoman, your life requires time in all areas of mind, body, and soul.  We need to make time for our family, friends, and work…and each of these is a way to give to ourselves, but what about time to stretch and build your muscles, or learn a new skill?  When was the last time to took a walk just to feel the breeze on your face or sat with a journal to record your hearts desires?  Taking time for you isn’t selfish.  You are fueling your body, soul, and mind to be able to live an authentic life where you can give to others fully!

Stop trying to be superwoman and take time for what your body, mind, and spirit needs!

Repeat after me:

We as women absolve today to set aside the cape and wand and take up our hearts on our mission to give only what we have, and to take life back into our grasp.

We will turn off the tape in our head that repeats our deepest fears and keeps us from doing that which are gifted and talented at doing.

We will listen to the inner critic and use it to bring us better understanding of how we can grow.  Then we will send it off with a kick to the curb.

We will commit to that which brings us joy like soaking in a hot bath, reading a book, taking evening walks, growing a garden, or swinging on the porch.

We will stop beating ourselves up for how we look or what we think we should weigh.

We will respect our bodies with good food and good exercise that is just right for our body and how we feel.

We will allow ourselves to say no. Period.

We will allow ourselves to say yes. Period.

We will feel pride, joy, excitement, love, enthusiasm, and sensuality without shame or embarrassment.

We will love our fellow woman without guilt or jealousy for who she is and how she makes us feel.

We will allow ourselves to feel nurtured by nature and the people in our lives that give us love.

We will cry, laugh, dance, shout, whimper, and express ourselves without regret, for our hearts are our life-blood.

We will laugh when others say, “I will try harder tomorrow” because we live for today and make the most of the moments we have.

We will wear a cape that says I AM SUPERWOMAN…not because we are good enough, but because we are enough.

Nicole Irlbeck began Restoration Fitness out of her love of exercise and her desire to see women making the choice to love their bodies. She incorporates her Masters degree in exercise science, passion for authentic beauty, and athletic performance & rehabilitation experience with women (and buddies!) of all ages and levels to deliver a fun and effective wellness programs. Nicole can be reached through her website at www.restorationfitness.net or by phone at 303.482.6290.