Dear Diary,

It has been a while since I penned something. Blame it on the market :). Busy season has strted. It was a long day yesterday. I had to soak my feet in Epsom salt. After I am done writing, I am going to use the massage gun on my shoulders, calf muscles, back, arms …. everywhere I can massage.Hospitality work is not for the faint of heart. There are days you will stand for 16 hours non stop! On days that there are events, you can easily clock 25000 steps on your smart watch in a day!

This can take a significant toll on the body. If you chase the money and make no room to self pamper, it is easy to age pretty quickly.Many years ago, my brother came to pay me a visit. I had gone to pick him at the bus station. The first statement that came out of his mouth, once he sat in the front seat was quite jarring. He also said it in our local dialect for emphasis.

“You don’t look like a hagg..good for you”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, most Naija caterers don’t take good care of themselves. They look overworked. You seem to have gotten the cheat code”.

I never thought of it the way he said it. I just love taking care of me because it is the smart thing to do. I think of my body like a car and its engine. It needs regular oil change, transmission fluid, anti freeze, balancing, alignment, etc. If a car needs regular pampering, how much more our human body?

The other day, I was at an event my company sponsored and a guy asked me if I was married….despite my 2.5k 💎 ring!! I had to growl cutely like a lioness to send him away. On the other end, I gave myself a pat on the back. I take care of myself enough not to look like a hag.

Since my breast cancer diagnosis, the need for self care has become heightened. I don’t play with my regular massage sessions, I rest as much as possible and I don’t take all orders that come my way. If the customer is going to impact my mental health, I let them go. The blessing of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrow. Matter of fact, retreat starts in 5 hours.

Dear reader, do you have time for yourself? Do you take time to nourish your spirit, soul and body? Repent before you jack yourself up.xoxoOEMA-O