What are your excuses???

So...what are your excuses for not putting your own joy and fulfillment first? I have TONS- my kids' schedules/work stress/my house needs cleaning/you name it....I have them. Notice how I didn't call them reasons, I called them excuses? I've learned over time that is exactly what they are-I used to be convinced the excuses were completely valid reasons that "showed" how I was unable to do anything for myself--I mean--how could I sacrifice my poor child by telling him he cannot attend yet another birthday party because Mom wants to get a pedicure or go to the gym? right? Is this the mode in which you live perhaps? I did too, and admittedly some days still fall into it, however I'm happy to say in the big picture I've snapped out of it. Just this past holiday weekend for instance...It would have SOOOO easy for me to back out of what I had planned for myself due to my kids chaotic sports schedules, and the old me would have, trust me. Instead, I kept myself focused on my goal of keeping time blocked out Monday morning and when that time came I completely let go of what happened before and what would happen after I got home and found that my kids may still be in their pj's at noon or had chips for breakfast.
Think about what you want to do for yourself--maybe it's learn a new skill/lose weight/try yoga/read more/spend time with your girlfriends....Take that thought then ask yourself "Am I just talking about this or am I taking action steps to accomplishing it?" "Am I telling everyone a good story full of excuses or am I able to share with others the positive news of reaching goals?" The point is...are you interested in what is it you want to do for yourself, or are you committed to it? In case you haven't picked up on it yet, this is the common thread for this week- in women who treat themselves well-each one I've met is/was committed to what they set out to do and believe me, their commitment was tested and stretched in many ways, but they have the ability to refocus and keep going--their passion for their goal kept them moving forward.
To quote one my favorite speakers James Ray..."If you're not growing, you're dying"
hmmmmm......