We are living in a time where self-care is being blasted in our faces. We are being told and shown whether it's on T,V, the radio, social media, magazines, and bill boards that in order for you to be happy, you must make time for self-care. More specifically it's promoting that self-care is a splurge on things and food to make yourself feel better.
There is nothing wrong with splurging here and there to take care of yourself. I do it from time to time as well. An example is how I paid someone else to do my nails when I enjoy doing my own nails. I bought myself a pair of shoes that I feel like myself in even though I didn't need them as I have plenty of shoes. The self-care that may not be actually serving you is the kind of splurge that gives you a temporary feeling of goodness until you see or find something else even better.
My self-care or what you see on social media when someone is posting having a latte and a delicious scone at their favorite coffee shop as their self-care, may also not be what you need to refill yourself. Having coffee, meditating, and journaling before the sun rises and the children waking up serves me, but may not serve you. Taking my shoes and socks off and digging my toes into soft rich grass grounds me, but it may not ground you.
Your self-care may not be "self-care" if it isn't having a lasting affect. It's important not to get caught up with the self-care tactics we are being blasted with as the only way you can feel good. Define your personal self-care by starting to ask yourself, "what re-charges me?" If that is working long demanding hours in a career that is your passion, then that is your self-care. If it is listening to pod-cast after pod-cast about fly fishing, a sport you are passionate about and enjoy doing, then listen. If it is reading a book all day or running a marathon that fuels you, then that is your self-care.
We should not be told how or how frequently we should do self-care. It's not a competition, it's not a time to push and shove or compare with others who 's self-care is better. It's not what works for everyone else that doesn't work for you. Self-care is simply what fuels your body, mind, and soul.
Need help identifying, define, and establish what your self-care plan is? Contact me at www.jondreaphelps.com to receive support?
Comments