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Portrait of happy cheerful handsome unshaven ginger man in bathrobe, towel and fresh clean socks enjoying self care time at home or in beauty spa salon, relaxing in comfy chair, and sipping detox tea
“Self-care” has become the battle cry to save the masses from burnout and exhaustion.
Unfortunately, this message is being delivered in a way that makes taking care of oneself seem like a guilty pleasure that we all “deserve” amidst our self-martyring service to others.
If you’ve struggled with the “permission” to tend to your own health and happiness, maybe it’s time to think about it in a different way.
When serving others is high on your value totem, understand that prioritizing your health and happiness isn’t an “option”.
It’s an obligation.
Everyone has personal best practices that have repeatedly allowed them to show up as the best version of themselves throughout their lives.
I would argue that the need for “permission” to do the things necessary to show up as the best partner, parent, leader, or friend should merit a re-examination of one’s values.
If your mission to maximize your positive influence on others requires permission, maybe it’s not that important to you.
Too many people are more interested in gaining others’ sympathy for their poor self-management than they are in serving others in a meaningful way.
Creating the time and marshaling the energy to empower oneself, and in turn, others, isn’t easy. If your calling is to make others’ lives better however, you haven’t chosen an easy path.
The only way to make your journey along this path easier is to do what’s necessary to become stronger.
Maybe you’ve abandoned exercise or positive nutrition habits. Maybe you no longer participate in hobbies that improve your mental/emotional well being. Maybe you’ve strayed from your commitment to a spiritual connection.
Ask yourself: Am I “better” without these things in my life?
If the answer is “no”, you’re showing up for others as a compromised version of yourself.
Of course, this is better than nothing, but does the mantra “better than nothing” create the positive impact and influence you wish to have?
Only the inspired can inspire.
Stop asking for permission to seek that which inspires you, and in turn, those you love and serve.
