Why I learnt this lesson the hard way.....
Somewhere way back in my Childhood I was taught that in order to be a "good" and "kind" person I must put everyone else first. Their needs, wants and desires were more important than mine. This was just what a nice person did...right? Wrong.
I had ignored what my body had been telling me for years. I trudged on saying "yes" to everyone but myself. I had empty relationship where I felt used and abused. This subconscious recording in my brain played the same tape over and over again, eventually bringing me to a place of utter depletion, total loneliness and a complete mental break down.
I had ignored for years what my body had been telling me. First it was whispering, then calling to me and after many years of being ignored it eventually was screaming at me. I could no longer ignore. Until I fixed the problem I could no longer function. Now I had to listen!
Now I know how important it is to listen, acknowledge, and respond with compassion to my emotions, my needs and my wants. I need to be the best "me" I can be in order to take care of those in my life that I love.
Self Care isn't just a trending phrase that is used in self help classes and books. It sometimes covers even the most basic needs that I have in that moment such as....
- If I'm hungry then stop and eat.
- If I'm tired then rest.
- If I'm anxious then spend some quiet moments alone
- If I need to take a break to pee then take a break and pee (this can be a tough one for me)
Other times it means taking a bubble bath, going to get massage or a reflexology treatment, or maybe a vacation.
I take time daily to do my "self care" and when I don't I start to spiral out of control emotionally, my anxiety gets out of hand and I'm no good to anyone.
In that sense SELF CARE BECOMES SELFLESS!
People love and respect me more when I love and respect myself.
I say "no" when I need to.
Please take care of yourself first. Do the things that you need to do in order to stay happy, healthy, vibrant and well. We are all counting on you to be the "best you" that you can be.
I'm worth it and so are you!!! You don't need to learn this lesson the hard way.
