Self Care: Is It Selfish?
By Joanne Sperans. Posted on .
For centuries women have been raised to believe that it is their responsibility to tend to the needs of others.
- "Play nice."
- "Don't hurt others' feelings."
- "Serve yourself last."
- "A woman's work is never done."
I say the hell with that! While it's always appropriate to be courteous towards others, if we don't treat ourselves with the same care as we treat others, what message are we sending out? That we aren't worthy - and to our children, that women/moms aren't as important. I'd venture to say that self care -- not selfish behavior -- is the best thing we can do to value ourselves and others.
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Self care is different for everyone. For some it may mean an ocassional afternoon out with friends. For others, it's daily meditation or time to exercise, and for still others it's a cup of hot tea and a hot bath at the end of the day.
Self care refreshes and renews us. It recharges us and puts us in a mindset for our busy days. And, for those of you who can't help but feel that you need to put others first, it gives you the energy you need to give others your best.
