This week I read a post that defined Self-Care the way that I’ve grown to define it. The post explained the “ugly” side of Self-Care. My favorite part of the post read:
“A world in which self-care has to be such a trendy topic is a world that is sick. Self-care should not be something we resort to because we are so absolutely exhausted that we need some reprieve from our own relentless internal pressure.
True self-care is not salt baths and chocolate cake, it is making the choice to build a life you don’t need to regularly escape from.”
This definition of Self-Care doesn’t make for a catchy caption on Instagram, a witty 280 character tweet for Twitter, or a pretty picture to share with friends and family on Facebook. This definition forces you to pack up your emotional baggage and carry it to therapy for the well-being of yourself and those you love. This is the side that expects you to walk away from bad habits that numb the pain but never force you to spend energy looking for the cause.
This definition of Self-Care isn’t always hashtag friendly but it perfectly aligns itself with Self-Love in its purest forms. It asks each person to define love by sacrifice. Self-Love isn’t ensuring that every moment of your life is absent of pain and sadness. Self-Love is hard-work and with that hard-work may come pain, sadness, frustration, and anger. The post made reference to the fact that Self-Care is the decision to be the version of yourself that you need. At this phase in my life, Self-Care is solely focused on building my credit, obtaining another degree, and securing a semi-permanent “adult” housing situation. This season of my life isn’t the most glamorous nor does it look pretty enough to hashtag “Self-Care” or “Self-Love Sunday”.
During this season, there are a lot of moments when I feel overwhelmed and under-prepared but as long as I focus on the goal at hand without neglecting myself, I still feel fulfilled. This season is difficult so affirmations help get me through the taxing grad school classes, the long work days and the newfound bills.
Happy Self-Love Sunday everyone! Please take care of yourself. You deserve it. Remember that Self-Care is a lifestyle and Self-Love is a journey of growth, healing and acceptance.
The Introvert's Escape Maneuver 