Thoughts on the Week #22 – Self Care

I have been guilty of overworking myself in the name of making hay while the sun shines. This has meant I have slacked off on diet, exercise and sleep and spent more time than I should on work. Perhaps it’s the folly of youth and the belief that I have boundless energy and so I can afford to push my limits. As I get older, it has dawned on me that I am not immortal and I need to slow down and take care of myself.

Self  care as a concept has been making waves and there has been a concerted effort to get people focused on their well-being. I have been trying to be present and to breathe more. I recently discovered that I don’t lean back when I sit; I am for some reason, always on edge. I can barely relax and I am always on. My phone, laptop are always on hand and I can’t imagine not doing any work for a whole day. It’s exhausting and I am depleted most of the time. Working all the time and feeling like I can’t tear myself away from it is a terrible way to live a full life.

Self care for me now is sitting in silence. Self care is taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Self care is breathing in deeply. Self care is being present in every moment. Self care is having a healthy diet and sitting down to enjoy meals. Self care is exercising. Self care is looking at myself in the mirror and smiling at my reflection. Self care is laughing loudly. Self care is leaving negative people out of my life. Self care is going after my dreams. Self care is forgiving myself. Self care is being gentle with myself. Self care is being unapologetically myself. Self care is taking the time out to heal. Self care is being grateful. Self care is loving myself. Self care is believing I am worthy of goodness. Self care is believing I deserve to be seen, heard and respected. Self care is believing that I am enough.