Self Care Isn't Selfish
It amazes me how as intelligent human beings we continue to push ourselves hard, through stress, worry and ill health to get things done. Fulfill our own needs and please others.
Selfcare for most is viewed as a luxury or as something that I’ll do that when I finish catching up on housework, putting the kids to bed, finish that assignment, get that tender in for work, tomorrow etc etc the list goes on.
Our heads hurt with stress but rather than deal with stress we’ll take a tablet, we’re tired so we’ll have a caffeine laden drink, our skin breaks out so we’ll put make up on to hide it. Your beginning to get the picture. In the western world we’re very much about treating symptoms and quick fixes. We’re always so busy carving out a life, making a living that we fail to see the big picture.
If we do not have our health we have nothing. We can’t get to work, look after the kids, drive and care for loved ones.
This is how I came to discover Reiki, Meditation and a more holistic life. My body eventually had enough of giving me all the signs to take care of myself that it decided to stop working. Ridden with anxiety, panic, stress, poor diet, low energy, balance issues. It had given me many chances to take stock but now it was time for the biggy. Completely exhausted, down and at rock bottom I finally decided to listen.
This is the same story for so many people. It takes for us to be completely and utterly consumed with pain, or run down or diseased to make the positive changes our body craves. People reach this point and feel like a failure. Which is so far from the truth. The only failure has been the failing to listen to our bodies and our hearts until it gets to crisis point. So many of my clients come to me at this point.
I heard a quote the other day and it really stuck with me. “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. It’s so true and a really valuable lesson to learn. Looking after yourself should not be classed as a luxury. It’s a necessity. We must recognise our own needs as well as others. Life is not just about survival, but truly living, enjoying and embracing each day.
When we look after ourselves it allows us to better cope with the challenges life throws at us. Circumstances will come and go and how we respond and react to these will be a direct reflection of how well we feel within ourselves. If we are responding from an already heightened level of stress the response will be very different from that of someone who is more calm and in a more balanced frame of mind.
Self-Care doesn’t have to be expensive or take up huge amounts of time. It is however essential for you to find a way to take time for yourself. This will improve your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. It’s finding what works for you, something you can maintain regularly whether that be Reiki, a yoga or exercise class, eating well, reading a book, meditating, taking a bath or having an early night.
Make the time for you. Your body will thank you for it, your relationships will be easier and your life will feel more balanced.
Sending you positive thoughts to help you find the space you need, to let go, have fun and enjoy some quality time with yourself. Go on you know you want to!
Love and Light, Susi xxxxx
