September 6--Self-Care

Lend yourself to others, but give yourself to yourself.  --Michel de Montaigne

    I want to scream every time I hear someone (especially a woman) say self-care is selfish. Fortunately that belief seems to be going by the wayside, but not quickly enough for me. Those who say self-care is selfish are busy giving themselves away to others and depleting themselves to empty. Resentment often follows.

    "Give yourself to yourself" means to take care of yourself on every level. On the physical level, that includes nutritious food, exercise, pampering, and supportive health care. Emotionally, one needs to recognize, feel and release emotions. Mental self-care requires us to keep learning and growing, keeping the mind stimulated and focusing on the positive. Spiritual care involves a variety of practices that remind us that there is something bigger than us in charge, we are a part of it, and we can rely on it. 

    With good self-care in place, giving yourself to yourself, then there is a healthy, whole, "full-tank" person to lend to others. Because you have given yourself to yourself, you can then share your best with others, rather than a depleted, weary, resentful self. Good self-care is a win-win for all. 

    Good self-care enables us to know ourselves better, understand our likes and dislikes, know our limits, and be comfortable in our own skin. It feels good. 

    Feelin' good,

        Leta