It’s almost impossible to get through the day without being told at least one way to take care of yourself.
- Eat more fruits and veggies.
- Drink more water.
- Exercise more.
- Sleep more.
- Work smarter.
- Be kinder.
- Watch less TV.
You could probably make your own list of ways you are taking care of yourself — or ways you want to take care of yourself.
The question is why? Why are we doing all of this?
To live longer? To be healthier? To be smarter? Thinner? Prettier? What’s the point of all this taking care of ourselves?
Today’s quote turns all this trying and doing and caring on it’s head … challenging me that caring about myself isn’t about me.
I had to stop and think about that for a long, long, long minute or two. Because taking care of me so often is all about me. I want to be happier. I want to be more content. I want to look at myself in the mirror and like who I see, be proud of who I am, of what I’ve accomplished.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
But what if …. what if we reach for a larger goal? What if we make it our goal to take care of ourselves so that we can love God more. Love others better. Love ourselves for who we are … and who we are becoming.
In Your Words: What do you think of when you see the words: Take care of yourself? How has today’s quote changed your idea of taking care of yourself? What would help you love God more? Love others better? Love yourself for who you are … and who you are becoming?
[Tweet “In Others’ Words: You Take Care Now #InOthersWords #lifequotes #love”] [Tweet “Why are you taking care of yourself? #lifequotes #HolleyGerth #love”]
My novel, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, has hit the bookshelves! I’m celebrating with a Beach Bag Giveaway. Enter to win lots of fun stuff worh $200, including:
a Nikon CoolPix Camera
a Lands’ End canvas bag
2 beach towels
a Contigo water bottle
a copy of Crazy Little Thing Called Love
a copy of Somebody Like You
Comments 8
No, I don’t take care of myself. It no longer matters.
What matters IS to pour myself out as a libation, because I am nothing, my feelings are nothing, and duty is all. There is a job yet to do, and I will die doing it.
Breaking faith with the chain of obligation is the ultimate sin – the one for which there is no atonement. Better to die at one’s post rather than live as one of those unfortunate creatures who honours neither duty nor love nor the fellow-feeling without which we are truly, utterly lost.
If I may add a PS – perhaps knowing oneself, and being true to the core values one holds dear, is the greatest self-care of all.
Author
Andrew: I think staying true to your values is one way of caring for yourself.
Brilliant truth.
Author
Andrew,
One thing you must know: You do matter. You do.
Praying for you, my friend.
I love Holley Gerth’s memes. And it is so easy to get stuck in the rut of caring for others so much that I neglect myself. But the crux of the matter is that my life and this broken body are a gift from God — one to be cherished and cared for so that we can do the work for which He created us.
Thanks so much for the reminder, Beth. I’ll try to do better. 😉
Author
Angie:
You reflect God to the world through your words and actions — both your spoken words and your written words.
And caring for yourself is so, so important.
This reminds me of Jesus’ words: Love others as you love yourself. It’s hard to love and take care of others if you don’t love and take care of yourself. Be your best so you can give your best.
Author
Excellent connection, Sherry.