The truth about self-care

What is self-care? 

We often hear about taking care of your physical appearance, your skin, your hair, and your hygiene. Some people would say that self care is about taking care of your mental health, journaling, perhaps seeing a therapist, sharing your thoughts with friends, eating healthy or training your body. But what if self-care is mainly about balance and acceptance? 

Nowadays, especially through social media, it can be easy to sugar coat everything, even self-care. To think that self-care is always pretty and well put. That it is waking up with the sun, making yourself a healthy smoothie, going for a run, journaling at night while drinking homemade tea, turning off the light and falling asleep immediately. 

Reality check: it rarely goes like this. Self-care is mostly about you. What makes you happy? What gives you purpose and what makes you want to do good for others? Don't let others tell you how to take care of yourself because, even though they can help you, you are the one who knows yourself best and trusting yourself is where self-care begins.

Let’s keep it real: we take care of ourselves so that we can be good for others. Taking care of yourself is being responsible while practicing love on the daily. Maybe your happy place is makeup, maybe you find it in books, art, nature or food. Whatever it is, you have the power to honor it and share it with others.

Exploring yourself

Some people will call those who take care of themselves and who reflect on their life selfish. But, what could be a better place to start understanding and comprehending than within your own self? A better way to communicate and help others, a more sustainable way to live your life than to sustain your own happiness? As you pay more attention to your strengths and your weaknesses,  you will be able to take better care of yourself in all aspects!

Embrace your truth

No matter what you think or what people have told you, your thoughts, feelings and opinions are valid; this is the very first place to start caring about yourself. Face masks, salt baths and yoga can only do so much! Instead, learn to stand your ground, speak your truth and learn the power of sharing your ideas. Also, don’t be afraid to be silent. Not everyone has to be the loudest person in the room. If you don’t feel like talking, respect yourself and keep listening to others.  

As you allow your voice to be heard, it will become even more natural and easier to actually listen to others or speaking for them when they can’t. When they don’t feel strong enough to do so, or when they are facing any discriminatory comments. Be good and strong for yourself and for others!