How Do You Separate Self-Care From Selfishness?

Separating self-care from selfishness is a matter of accountability.

Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash

There is nothing selfish about self-care.

And yet, we are constantly bombarded by messages to the contrary. We’re told that we should not put ourselves first. Instead, we should put our children, loved ones, family, friends, bosses, coworkers, country, religion, God, and everyone and everything else that you can think of first. Pick the institution, organization, or individual — they’ll all tell you that you shouldn’t put yourself ahead of anyone or anything else.

I am all for generosity. And I love to give of my time, donate to worthy causes, instruct, share, and help wherever I can. It feels amazing to give like that.

But if I don’t ever put myself first — before long, I’m suffering.

My health, wellness, and wellbeing are impacted if I do not practice self-care. Whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual — if I don’t take care of my health, who will?

Sure, there are lots of doctors, treatments, pills, supplements, and other options for my health. But there is nobody save me who can employ them. Or not.

Any and all care for ourselves starts with self-care. And that is never selfish.