You Cannot Give Away what You don't have

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Published by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee
Wednesday, August 14, 2002
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People often ask me why self-care is so important. Taking care of ourselves and putting our priorities first often feels selfish. The best way to shift that perspective and look at self-care in a different light is to think about what self-care does for you and what it enables you to do for others. If we do not take care of ourselves and put our own well being first, what will we have left to give others? If we are burnt out and stressed and overloaded, what will be left of us to share? We cannot give away what we don't have. If we don't have energy, or time, or even enough love for ourselves, we cannot give energy, or time, or love to others.

Coaching

Self-care is not a selfish; it actually is the most loving thing we can do for others. By taking care of ourselves, we build up reserves of time, energy, love and other positive things that we can share with others. When we give from an empty cup, we soon will become completely depleted, resentful and perhaps even sick.

Coaching Question

Are you giving away what you don't have?

Coaching Challenge

This week, do three things just for yourself such as taking a relaxing bath, treating yourself to your favorite meal or spending time doing nothing. Make an appointment with yourself for self-care, write it down, and don't be late!

Daily Success Formula

Self Care = Building up reserves

Quotes

"A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools." Spanish proverb