Taking care of ME

[myselfcarecircle]

I recently had a conversation with a few friends about what holds us back when we are trying to prioritize self-care in our lives and it really got me thinking….

What holds you back from taking better care of yourself?

I would love to hear.

[Hidden]

I would say not having enough time, I know everyone says you need to make time but it's easier said than done.

[myselfcarecircle in reply to Hidden]

I know what you mean. I feel like I create time by outsourcing things or getting really creative- like getting groceries picked up or delivered so I spend less time doing food shopping and meal prep.

[Hidden in reply to myselfcarecircle]

Outsourcing is a good idea. Yeah I'm the same in usually get my groceries delivered.

[myselfcarecircle in reply to Hidden]

I am always up for anything that makes things easier. Double bonus if it also creates space or time for me.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

My problem is that I don’t think I deserve care. My default mode is to think I’m not good enough. I have to work hard thinking I’m a worthy human being. Once I get that through my head, it’s easier to practice gentle self care.

[myselfcarecircle in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Of course you deserve it! If that is your default mode, it seems to me that you deserve it even more.

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to myselfcarecircle]

Thank you.

[Artistfriend]

Its time and having to do things for other people

[myselfcarecircle in reply to Artistfriend]

Time is hard and it is even harder when you are needed by others. Sometimes I notice I do things for people that they don’t even really need, I think I just go overboard. Make time for you.

[designguy]

In the past it was feeling like I didn't deserve to take care of or stand up for myself which I know now was total bullshit that I learned from my parents that was due to their own lack of self esteem and inability to validate their self worth.

[myselfcarecircle in reply to designguy]

It is so wonderful to hear how you recognized that and moved forward to prioritize yourself.

[Dolphin14]

Pre programmed from childhood I learned I wasn't worth taking care of. Doing for me was looked at as selfish. I carried this message through out my life. I was supposed to care for others, not me.

The tables have turned with years of therapy, I can now see clearly what the road block is.

I can now use the word No. I can say things like that doesn't work for me right now.

Gotta tell you a bit of pampering goes a long way to boost the spirit.

🐬

[myselfcarecircle in reply to Dolphin14]

I love that phrase “that doesn’t work for me right now”. I tend to say “not right now”, but I feel like that leaves it too open for someone to circle back and take my time.

It is interesting to see how much better I feel and think when I do pamper myself. It doesn’t even need to be anything fancy. I can just take some time and space to read and it recharges my batteries.