Is self care selfish?

Just Between Us,

Isn’t it weird that pieces of advice find us exactly when we need them? Sometimes it’s in a song, maybe you read it in a book, others it’s said directly to us. My latest piece of advice came to me on a dressing room wall. There painted on the wall was the words “self care isn’t selfish”.

Recently I’ve noticed that I’ve been living life in black and white. Both literally and figuratively. I only wear black clothes, all of my decor is black, my car is black. I trudge through the same day every single day. I don’t seek out things that bring me happiness. I don’t do things for me. There’s no color anywhere. 

Over the years I’ve lost myself. I’ve realized that who I am right now isn’t who I want to actually be. I want to be someone who takes care of themselves, who seeks out colorful and bright things, who takes charge of my own happiness, who takes time to embrace and enjoy where I am right now. 

I’ve been working on self care so I can be that girl. I bought some colorful clothing pieces. I got a new haircut. I got my nails done. I take long drives with the windows down and the music loud. I fix my hair everyday. I shower everyday. I brush my teeth twice a day. I have a skin care routine. I got a tattoo. I eat meals with my family. I make sure to take breaks. I enjoy my favorite foods. I text my sister. I take myself to the movies. I write this blog. I’m learning something new about myself every single day and I couldn’t be more excited to truly get to know myself. 

That saying on the dressing room wall has made me realize that prioritizing yourself isn't really all that selfish. It’s not selfish to want to get to know the real you. It’s not selfish to want things for yourself. It’s not selfish to pursue your happiness. It’s not selfish to take the time and breaks you need. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself.

Today I will clean out my car and go to bed early to be ready to take on tomorrow. What will you do?

-M