Self-love, Not Selfish!￼

Compassion and magnanimity are what make us, real human beings. But, it’s indubitably important to prioritize ourselves as no one can pour from an empty cup. Here comes up the significance of self-love and self-care.

Diana, Princess of Wales once quoted, “Everyone of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves”. Of course, a withered flower can never disperse fragrance in the surrounding air. To love and care the fellow beings, we ought to practice self-love.

In the contemporary world in which we all are busy with professional careers, the jiffs left to relax and relish are almost nil. Still, it is really important to save certain minutes of a day for me-time. Devoid of recharging yourself for the next day, you may find even the daily chores to be monotonous and tiresome.

It’s completely ok to say ‘no’ to conversations or activities that may drain your energy. Setting healthy boundaries in relationships including friendships is indeed vital. There is no need to feel guilty about the situation of staying back from functions or associations if you need a break. Occasions and opportunities will knock at the door again; but once your health is depleted, it’s not at all a duck soup task to revamp it.

As we are living in a digital era, a considerable amount of time is spent on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. Better if the use of mobile phones can be limited as much as possible. Keeping social media friend circles in a minimal way will help to avoid unwanted mental chaos. Checking out the messages and replying to them can be done whenever you feel fine; there’s nothing wrong with it.

We are all unique in terms of character, likes, and priorities. No matter how much you adore and care for your friends, conjure up to not be a victim of peer pressure. Even if your decision can create potholes in your relationships, always remember to prioritize your mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

According to Katrina Mayer, “Loving yourself isn’t vanity. It’s sanity”. For some, your acts of self-love and self-care can seem to be selfish. If they prefer to judge so, then let them be. After all, in the end, all you have is you. Healthy habits and relationships are only what you have to maintain for your future well-being. Let all others go.

Always remember to appreciate yourself for even minute achievements or accomplishments of daily life. Having alone time for your hygge things is not at all a matter of remorse. Taking a nap by putting off work, missing a phone call, or an appointment to take care of your health – the things that may seem selfish in the eyes of others are actually for your own good.

Many benevolent humans let slip to give themselves the love that they proffer to their fellow beings. Never stop loving and caring for yourselves in the process of serving those around you. Your time, health, and overall wellbeing also matter a lot.

“Self-care is never a selfish act —— it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others”, Parker Parmer had shared this genuine thought. Yes, let’s love ourselves first and be those aromatic flowers dispersing their pleasing scent, no matter where ever they go and whoever they meet. SELF-LOVE IS NOT SELFISH!

-Athira A.