A Must for Self-Care

Not long ago, I found myself needing to work through some uncomfortable emotions.

I’ve learned that taking time to sit with those feelings so I can understand their cause is better than trying to ignore them. To do this, though, I must put myself first and that’s not always easy.

You may be like me and value nurturing and taking care of others. You have people you love, and you want to be there for them. So, when it comes to putting yourself first, your inner chatter may warn, “You can’t do that.” Your thoughts may continue their reprimand with “You’re being selfish;” “You can’t take time to do ‘that’ when (insert name) needs you;” or some other variation of guilt-producing inner chatter.

How do I know this? Because I’ve also battled those same inner chatter messages. I know their sound and the gut-wrenching feelings they produce.

I’ve also learned that it’s not selfish to put oneself first. You are more open and available to others when you take time for you first. You have more patience and more energy.

And then you willingly pour your availability, kindness, and energy into the others that you love.

You can only give what you have, and you will only have it to give when you’ve taken time to replenish you own supply.

When you’re feeling drained, impatient, and challenged to take care of others, consider if it’s time to do something for your own rejuvenation.

You kindness to others reflects how kind you’ve been to yourself first.

When you say “yes” to others,
make sure you’re not saying “no” to yourself.

~ Paulo Coehlo