“There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self.” ― Aldous Huxley
Self-care is a major buzzword these days. Everyone is using it as the term to either shirk responsibilities, cancel commitments or be selfish. And while self-care is tantamount to your well-being, it is more than what it has been marketed.
Self-care is more than bath bombs and bubble baths. It’s more than getting that 50-minute Swedish massage or whisking away to a wellness retreat. It’s not just enjoying manicures, pedicures, facials and any other spa treatment.
Self-care is the ability to say no, but at the time of getting the request, protecting your energy is always important. Self-care isn’t being lousy and flaky. Self-care is more than doing yoga 3 times a week, or dieting and exercise.
Self-care goes deeper than pampering your physical avatar. Your body isn’t the self.
Somehow, we’ve all been duped into thinking our physical body is the most important aspect of who we are. Sure, it is how we can partake in this human experience but it is only a shell. True self-care goes deep to the places that are unseen. It is caring for the mind. Nurturing the mental landscape and taking stock of our emotions.
That’s what true self-care looks like.
It’s being unabashed in your honesty with yourself. Identifying and cataloging your trauma, hurts, setbacks, failures and then working through them one by one until you’ve unpacked it all so you can heal. Self-care is looking at the past and not cowering at the events. It’s being able to forgive yourself for your mistakes, take the lessons and continue to grow as an individual.
Self-care is focusing on personal development by excavating the self and loving all aspects of self. Mastering the self is self-care. Letting go of limiting beliefs, relinquishing crystallized thinking and ‘unfucking’ yourself is the height of self-care.
Self-care is hard work. It forces us to face our demons, bring our shadow aspects to the light and truly come into our personal power. Self-care is hard work. It takes time. In fact, it’s a life-long journey, and it’s not a smooth one but it is the most fulfilling.
Self-care is messy. It doesn’t accept excuses. Fortitude is necessary, patience and love are prerequisites, and a willingness to do the work.
Self-care is caring for the true self the one hitching the ride in the organic space suit your call your body on this planet hurtling through space.
Are you ready to do the heavy lifting? Self-care is the path to self-mastery.