In today’s Western Culture, the noise is so loud and the activities so many; they become distractions and fill our days with busy work that leaves us feeling unfulfilled. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing for others that we don’t take the time to do for ourselves. Whether it’s doing for the kids, the spouse, the pets, the job, the church, temple or whatever, we don’t take time for ourselves. We put ourselves at the back of the line and neglect ourselves.

I recently took an unscientific pool of some of the women I know. I asked them if they are willing to spend $1200 on themselves; a lot of them hesitated to answer and some said no. Next, I ask if they can spend that amount on their children, spouses or other household items; without hesitation most said yes. This was not surprising by any means. Most women have the tendency to put others ahead of themselves. They help with the homework, play chauffeur for the kids, cook meals, wash clothes and carry a full-time job. Thus, they neglect they own needs and miss the opportunity to nurture the diamond within.

We send the wrong message to those we love, when we don’t take care of ourselves. If we don’t place high value on taking care of ourselves, then others will also place a low value on us and our time. I am not saying to be selfish to the point of neglecting our loved ones. If you don’t value YOU, then who will. If you don’t take the time to make sure you get enough sleep, feed your body with the right food, get the right exercise and feed your mind, spiritually and intellectually, who will? Remember the saying: “you must love yourself, before you can love another.”

Give yourself permission to take time out of the day to do something for yourself. Spend time in meditation or getting in touch spiritually. Read a book. Go back to school. Go to the gym. Go for a walk. Whatever it is that you wanted to do to make improvement in yourself, allow yourself the time to do it. You will see that your self-confidence will grow and you would want to work on the next area of improvement. It will motivate you. You will start to increase yourself value, your “carat.” Your children and others will notice the difference. You will set a good example to them about the importance of self-worth. As you work out, you will notice the changes in your appearance, so will your spouse and your loved ones.

One of my girlfriends told me that once she started losing weight and toning up, she also changed her hair style. Her husband noticed; one evening he once his outing with the his friends. He told them he had a “hot date” with his wife. He hadn’t done that in a while! My friend took the time to find the diamond within. She buffed and polished it so that it shined so brightly, her husband became entranced by it. Mushy as this sounds, it worked for her. It can work for you too. We all have that diamond within us;  take the time to find and cultivate it! You will see your “carat” increased.

Start now to Live a Diamond Life, A Life of Purpose!