As we navigate through life, we’re often told we need to be the best in every role we play…
- the most supportive friend
- the most caring mother
- the hardest-working employee
- the most loving spouse
- the best whatever else
But when a specific role is especially demanding, we’re using much more of our energy to maintain that, and it can feel like we’re failing at everything else (and possibly also that). So really, nothing is getting the amount of attention that we want to give…because we’re only one person.
Since we can only give 100%, we have to choose wisely where we use up our energy. And unfortunately, the first area that tends to get pushed aside for later? Is taking care of ourselves. As we try to dominate all of the roles we play on a daily basis, it can be easy to start losing ourselves, which is why self-care is critical.
The concept of “self-care” has become somewhat of a fluffy trend lately, but it’s not all bubble baths and face masks. It’s a basic human need to take care of ourselves by doing things that contribute to our overall wellbeing, because it’s kind of necessary to function and be our best selves. The quote below (which I recently shared on my Facebook page) perfectly describes the tricky concept of what it means to “be your best”:
I think being “your best” is a delicate balance that will be different for everyone. We’ve all felt burnt out at one point or another (which no doubt hurts our ability to be our best selves), and that’s probably a sign we’re putting too much of our energy in one role we play and neglecting what we personally need to thrive.
Be conscious of what you need to be happy and healthy. Prioritize what matters the most; give yourself some grace with the rest; and make sure to spend some time on you. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary to keep being the amazing you that everyone loves.
I hope you have a relaxing and healing weekend. 🙂
