From Trauma to TriumphSample

Component #2 - Self-Care

Definition: The practice of taking action to preserve, or improve one's own health. Taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness (Oxford Press University, 2020).

Life can get very busy and it's easy to lose balance.  Many of us play multiple roles and constantly have to change the 'hats' we wear as we take on our days. People and their needs can weigh heavily on us and we easily fall into the habit of prioritizing them over our own needs.

This creates an unhealthy balance, resulting in distraction and leading us further away from what we need to focus on. Sometimes you have to break away. Taking breaks from people and things to re-center your focus is a form of self-care.  You don't always have to have a 'spa day' or plan a lavish trip. Sometimes just carving out alone time to be still in silence is all you need. Jesus was a great example of someone that prioritized self-care.  He spent quite a bit of time around the disciples, but he also knew when he needed to be alone to gain fresh insight, direction from God, worship and to be restored. 

A great example is when he performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish (Matt. 14:13-21). After everyone was fed, Jesus and the disciples were preparing to depart. Jesus purposefully sent them ahead of Him on the boat, so that he can step away to be alone and pray (Matt. 14:22-23). 

This is a concept that I had to learn as I am blossoming into my career and calling. When you look through the lens of seeing that there is so much work to be done and your contributions seem minimal, it can be overwhelming. Then there are the many 'hats': wife, comforter, friend, entrepreneur, philanthropist, leader, employee, singer, songwriter, aunty, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, disciplinarian, advisor, etc. Sometimes, I feel my head is on a swivel. But, I make it a priority to break away from these hats, titles, and even expectations. I plan "me" time, which mostly consist of taking walks. I have also embraced saying "no" and "maybe at another time", which was liberating!

Placing a value on self-care helped me to understand that choosing me, is essential for me. So, let's put into practice implementing self-care, as needed. Be well and at peace!