Daryl Wood's Blog

It’s been a long time since I wrote an article called A Taste of My Own Medicine. It was published in The Globe and Mail (Toronto) way back in September 2002. Today, I read it again – because I really needed to.

The irony is that the message has the same impact today as it did then. I simply cannot stand to be so out of integrity that I don’t do for myself what I tell others to do for themselves. In fact, I pushed a client to take half an hour at lunch time to sit quietly, journal, reflect and just breathe. Yes, I have been doing that but definitely not often enough. It seems I have just been doing “the minimum” to keep from drowning when what is really called for is some full out personal care.

Add to my awareness the wonderful conversation I had with a colleague this morning giving him an update on my passion for facilitating women’s retreats. As we compared notes, I was reminded of the importance of being authentic – with ourselves and with others. Since hanging up the phone I’ve been wondering – when will I make time for me? What will I say no to so that I can say yes to soul nurturing.

And it’s not just my emotional and spiritual needs that are being a bit neglected. Physically, I’m craving some good, nutritious meals. Travelling a bit has meant food prepared without the kind of loving attention that my husband and I enjoy at home. Maybe it’s the way he slices tomatoes for a salad or just the fact that he does it that makes it taste so good. In any case, I am very much in need of a healthy meal and strong massage.

So, time to move. Time to get up and make myself a priority. I know it will make a big difference in how the rest of my day unfolds and right now … there are seagulls and waves waiting to be observed. Fine medicine indeed!