Self-care, self-investment and self-respect. What do all of these have in common? Yes, it is ‘SELF’, YOUR-SELF! There is much written about this over the last few years, but learning to make some time for ourselves as a priority doesn’t usually sit well with us. That pesky voice of Guilt usually pipes up and makes us feel that we aren’t worthy for some ‘Me time’ or that we are being selfish if we do.
Thriving through Self-care, self-investment & self-respect
Self-care
In my post ‘Why We Need to be Selfish – Sometimes’, I wrote:
Selfish is and sounds such a horrible word and I’m not saying we should be self centred and only think about ourselves all the time. However, there are times when we do need to be selfish, otherwise how can we expect people to respect us if we don’t respect ourselves enough to find fulfillment in our lives.
You can read the full post here, however, the main point of my article was that sometimes we need to nourish and look after ourselves, so that we can do a better job of being there for family and friends. It is a bit like the oxygen mask in the airplane – we are told that in case of an emergency, we put our masks on first before helping our children or others.
It is not selfish to look after ourselves by living an Holistic Healthy Lifestyle, meaning regular exercise, healthy eating, taking time to help our mental health and spiritual health. We will function better and be a much ‘nicer’ person to be around.
Self-Investment
I like the sound of this! My guest writer in the Over 50 & Thriving Series, Min Gillespie, from Write of the Middle wrote about 12 Tips for self-investment in your 50’s & beyond and the need to prioritise ourselves.
Investing in ourselves is just as important as investing in a house, car or other. We are valuable and need to recognise our value and protect it.
Self-Respect
This is the most important because without self-respect then self-care and self-investment just won’t happen. Learning to love the person you are and appreciate your value and qualities will bring self-respect and self-confidence.
What is one thing you can do today to invest in yourself and show yourself some self-respect and love?
In my next post in the A to Z Guide to Thriving, I’m discussing ‘T’ is for Taking Charge of your life to Thrive. I do hope you will join me.
If you have missed previous posts in the AtoZ Challenge 2018 just click here to find them all.
You might also like to check out my Over 50 & Thriving series. In this series, published every Thursday, guest writers give insight into what ‘Over 50 & Thriving’ means to them.
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29 Comments
Oh my goodness, I haven’t even begun to think about my ‘S’ post yet. Living in one of the later time zones, I still technically have 24 hours and 20 minutes to post. Perhaps a picture of me Sleeping?
Thank you for your advice on the self-care. Iis something that many always-on-the-go people (including me) need to remind ourselves about!
I know Donna these time zones can play with our heads, can’t they? Sleep well xx
I love this comment you made:”there are times when we do need to be selfish, otherwise how can we expect people to respect us if we don’t respect ourselves enough to find fulfillment in our lives.” That is so true! Thanks for a great post. Shared on SM
Glad you enjoyed it Candi and thanks so much for sharing. Have a great weekend. x
These three aspects of self are something I’ve been working hard on over the last few years (as you know!) I’ve come to realize that if we don’t value ourselves and if we aren’t kind to ourselves, then we have so much less to offer others. Self respect and self care are so important – and this year I’m planning on investing some more time in myself too – finding an online course or something to engage my brain.
Leanne | http://www.crestingthehill.com.au
S for Stop Procrastinating
Oh that sounds exciting Leanne. Online courses, even short ones are great for learning something new in a flexible timeframe. Good for you!
I think for me, self care is taking time out for exercise. I realise there is more I could do
I agree Jennifer. I do love a mani/pedi or facial but keeping fit and running or workouts is all about looking after ourselves not just physically but mentally. Have a great weekend xx
I’d say I’m still in early days on all three of your ‘self’ categories, Sue, but I absolutely do recognize the importance of them and I’m making slow but steady progress. Thanks for keeping the concept front and center on your blog.
Thanks Karen! I know sometimes I feel like I repeat myself but I do believe we have to remind ourselves regularly because taking care of ‘self’ doesn’t come easily to us. Glad that you are making progress and for me it probably will always be a WIP x
I love the idea of self investment. I haven’t heard of this term before, but it really is important, whether we invest self care, time, education, etc…Thank you for this post!
Facing Cancer with Grace
Yes I only recently heard it from a guest writer on my blog, Heather. I think it says it all – we are investing in ourselves in all areas of our life. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.x
I’ve only just starting making time for me this year! Self-Care is so important, but it’s so easy to just put everyone else first, especially as a Mother.
Di from Max The Unicorn
Oh good for you! Your child will definitely benefit from a happy and healthy Mum! Have a great week xx
I love that quote about self-preservation. I think it describes at least my feelings about self-care in a nutshell. It’s so easy to feel guilty about making time for yourself, but I guess you can’t take care of anyone else if you’re not looking after yourself properly as well.
That is so true Katherine. If we feel good,healthy and happy then we give more to our family. Thanks for visiting and have a great day! x
Self care is essential. Sometimes I’m good at it, sometimes not. I love the idea of self investment. Thanks for the reminder.
I think we all go through phases of remember self-care or not, Vanessa. As long as we keep trying that is the main thing. I think if you look at it as investing in yourself it does make a difference. have a great day x
Very true Sue if you don’t take care of you no one else will. Sometimes it is hard to remember to do this but self care is very important.
I think you need this now more than ever Victoria so you can be strong for your husband. Make sure you take some time for yourself. xx
Self-care is so important. We only have one body and we need to take of ourselves because we are the ones to survive in it, no matter what.
That is for sure Rebecca!
All things we can each do with a reminder about. Self care is SO important and often we put ourselves last don’t we, there is always something else to do.
There is always something we can put before ourselves, Jan and I’m guilty of that from time to time. When I write these posts I think sometimes it is just a much of a reminder to me as it is to my readers. Have a lovely day xx
Hi Sue, I left a comment a day or two ago but don’t see it here so I’m re-writing it. I agree with you about self-care. I think of the oxygen mask instructions before take off. Put the mask on ourselves first before helping others. Have a great day!
Oh I did see your comment thanks Natalie and did reply. Thanks for commenting again and have a great week! xx
Telling others is SO much easier than telling ourselves….as I am right now. Sigh. Thank you for the reminder!
Thanks so much for linking up for #lifethisweek 17/52. Next week’s optional prompt is Taking Stock 18/52. Denyse
Oh I know Denyse. Sometimes it is a case of do what I say not as I do. I need constant reminders so when I write about it it is also a reminder for me xx
When I write these posts I think sometimes it is just a much of a reminder to me as it is to my readers. Have a lovely day. Sometimes it is a case of doing what I say not as I do. I need constant reminders so when I write about it. We only have one body and we need to take of ourselves because we are the ones to survive in it. If we feel good, healthy, and happy then we give more to our family.