When was the last time you checked in with yourself? In the past twenty-four hours, have you even slowed yourself down long enough to do so? I’m not speaking of the routine day to day things such as waking, eating, showering/bathing, grooming and dressing way of checking in with yourself. I’m talking about a thorough and honest assessment and reconciliation with your feelings and emotions. How often do you stop and take a look within yourself? What issues are you facing? Are there any wrongs that need righted? Are there any lingering problems or residual pain from your past needing to be addressed and worked through? Truth be told, I believe from time to time we all have mountains to climb and rivers to cross.
If you’re okay inside, are you where you thought you’d be at this point of your life? If not, what can you do to help yourself get there? Life isn’t always about caring and looking out for others–we have to look out for ourselves as well. I imagine most people believe it’s quite the opposite, but we can’t truly care for our family and friends if we aren’t our best possible self.
I’m not speaking of perfection, because none of are, and none of us will leave the world that way. I’m speaking about totally loving and accepting yourself inside and out and being content where you are on your journey right now. You’re totally at peace with the skin you’re in. You’re aware of your purpose and intent in life, and unbothered if you’re yet to find it. Everyone matters, and everyone adds value to the world. Life is about accepting who you are without comparing or competing with anyone else. It’s about owning and processing your experiences, feelings, and emotions. Failures and losses aren’t important, but they’re necessary. Their sole purpose is to show us a way that doesn’t work. While fleeting, life teaches us–it provides either lessons or blessings. We’re immortal beings wearing mortal bodies–living, learning, and never failing.
Self-care isn’t being selfish, it’s the total love of self. To fully love and care for others, we must first love and care for ourselves.
Charles R. Butts Jr. 