When we hear the word listen, I think we automatically think about a skill we practice on others, not one we practice on ourselves.  But I think we would greatly benefit from practicing this self-care skill on ourselves as well.  We have been trained, especially in the south, that it is polite and expected of us to extend this courtesy to those we interact with on a daily basis, but we are never taught to extend this same courtesy to ourselves.  We do ourselves a grave injustice when we don’t treat ourselves with the same kindness that we treat perfect strangers.  If we are tired, we are taught to push through and continue to do what we are doing, resting is for the weak.  If we begin to feel sick, or slightly under the weather, we usually suck it up and continue on the same path as we were when we felt perfectly healthy.  Now if we had a friend who appeared to be tired we would immediately advise them that they needed to rest, to recharge, and take care of themselves.  The first sign of a sniffle or a cough from one of our children normally will lead us directly to the doctor.  Why do we extend this grace to others, but not ourselves?  More times than not it is because we don’t put the same value on our own wellbeing, We don’t feel as if it is as essential.  This always leads to negative feelings.  Resentment, feeling like a martyr, and eventually anger and it’dangerous counterpart bitterness will take hold.  And we all know nothing good can from feeling this way.  So this first Sunday of 2019, chose the better way.  Listen to yourself with love and respect and act accordingly. It is the very foundation of self-care.   You are worth it!!!