Wellness means being "selfish"

I've noticed lately that everyone seems to be extremely worried about one thing or another. If it's not the war in Iraq, it's the skyrocketing cost of oil and education. Linked to this is the overwhelming need for more time and space to be with our families, but just the reverse is happening. All of this stress, has for me added to my level of intolerance of others. I find myself getting irritated at the slightest things. Luckily I'm able to catch my self and have a chat with myself!

Tolerance and appreciation for others is a universal theme, however, it is even more pronounced if you are a family member dealing with another's emotional illness. When I find myself bothered by having to gear up for my brother's trek north for a stay at my house, I simply shake myself and wonder how I can be that selfish. Well, the truth is, being selfish is not altogether bad. The word "selfish" to me means taking care of myself in order that I stay well. In general when you are being "selfish" you are honoring who you are and taking care of that. Obviously if you hurt others in the process of being selfish, that is not good. However, more often than not, caregivers and women especially tend not to take care of themselves, leaving them vulnerable to burnout and other medical and emotional issues.

Here are a few ways to be selfish that can boost your spirits and keep you smiling:

1. Take yourself to the movies on a weekday and buy the biggest popcorn and soda they have.
2. When you have a whole afternoon off, go to the library and pick out some books and CD's.
3. If you are a shopper, plan a day of spending money on yourself, not others, just YOU.
4. Don't do anything that has a twinge of "should" attached to it. Save that for another day.
5. Remind yourself how good it feels to take care of you and allow yourself to feel the fun and frivolity of doing just for you!

Comments

[Ruth]

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Ruth

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