Self-care above all else.
We likely understand the importance of helping others. Listening to a friend as they work through an issue; taking a pet or a parent to a medical appointment; buying healthy groceries for a loved one; nursing someone who is sick; encouraging and praising another’s attempts to get more physically fit—all of these are important ways in which we can care for others.
We can recognize the value of these activities and see them as an essential part of who we are and what we do. It’s important to us to be of service to others.
However, we may not feel quite the same way when the activities are directed toward self. We are more likely to skip on essential care for ourselves.
Do we take the time to listen to our inner selves when we’re conflicted? Do we keep up on our personal health care? Do we focus on buying healthy food for ourselves? Do we rest sufficiently and take appropriate care of ourselves when we feel ill? Do we support and praise our own efforts to be healthier?
Chances are we’ve answered “no” to at least some of the above questions. Somehow, we may not feel we’re as important, valuable, or worthy of care as others are.
Yet, if we don’t care for ourselves appropriately and regularly, we can’t be the best versions of ourselves. We’ll fail to live up to our potential for happiness and success if we don’t have the energy to give our best effort to what’s important to us. And we won’t be at our best when helping or supporting others, either.
Today’s message reminds me that time spent on self-care is never wasted. When I love myself fully, I increase my capacity to love all of life.
Please reflect and share. Is self-care a priority for you?