Me, Myself, and I: A Guide to Gloriously Guilt-Free Self-Care
Jan 4, 2024
Let’s face it. If you’re anything like me, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “self-care” is imagining yourself lounging on a throne, eating grapes while surrounded by doting fans.
Sounds luxurious, right?
But back in reality, we’re more likely to be on the couch, surrounded by unfolded laundry, still waiting for those grapes (and maybe the throne, too). The struggle is real.
However, under all the jokes and imaginary thrones, there’s a genuine message here:
It’s okay to make yourself a priority.
Actually, it’s more than okay; it’s essential! So, let’s embark on a guilt-free journey of putting ourselves first, one step (and maybe a grape) at a time.
Why the Buzz around Self-Care?
Did you ever notice when flying (pre-snack phase, of course) those safety demonstrations about the oxygen masks? “Put your mask on first before helping others.” There’s wisdom in that airline spiel. But it’s a bit tricky to assist others when you’re metaphorically or literally doing an impression of a fish out of water.
Now, How to Make It All About You (In a Good Way!)
Affirmations – Not Just For Morning Pep Talks: Start your day by looking in the mirror and saying, “I deserve self-care,” and no, not just when you’re practicing your award acceptance speech. These affirmations, when repeated, can genuinely shift internal beliefs. Plus, who doesn’t like a good pep talk?
Dear Diary, Today I Was Awesome Because…: Journal about when you put others before yourself. If it sounds like you’re narrating a superhero movie where you’re saving everyone but yourself, it’s time for a plot twist.
Little Acts, Big Impact: Think of self-care like snacks. Small bites, big satisfaction. Take a 10-minute ‘me-time’ during work, even if it’s just to daydream about that throne.
Boundaries: Not Just Lines on Maps: Set limits with friends, family, and that colleague who thinks work hours are just a suggestion. Protecting your time is like marking your food territory in the shared fridge – utterly essential.
History 101: Dive into your past. Were you always the last in line for the swing set? Did sharing your candy mean you got none? Childhood habits can often creep into adulthood, and understanding them can help break the cycle.
Your Needs List – More Important Than Your Grocery List: List out your needs and wants. Review this list as often as you do your favorite memes. It’s that essential.
Being Mindful Without Losing Your Mind: Mindfulness isn’t just for monks or those with epic beards. Taking time to center yourself can be the difference between feeling scatterbrained and being laser-focused on your needs.
Learning from Others: Remember that one friend who somehow manages everything, including their monthly spa day? Time to get inspired (or at least ask them their secret)!
Tickled Yet? Let’s Keep Going…
Feeling guilty about making yourself a priority is as fruitless as waiting for a cat to fetch your slippers. We’ve all tried, and it never ends well. The greater your investment in personal growth, the richer your contributions to others become. Picture yourself as a library, ever-expanding with wisdom and stories to share.
Or, think of yourself as a smartphone, the more you recharge, the better you function and the fewer times you’ll have those frustrating system crashes (aka burnouts).
While the throne and adoring fans might still be a pipe dream, self-prioritization isn’t. It’s attainable, necessary, and honestly, it feels pretty darn good. So, let’s raise a toast (or a grape) to putting ourselves first, guilt-free!
Remember, it’s not about being self-centered; it’s about centering oneself. And who knows? That throne might just be around the corner. 😉👑🍇
