WQ - Self-Care or Selfish?

What does it mean to practice self-care, or to look after yourself? I think it can take a lot of different forms, depending on your personality, your season of life, and other factors. Some want a gym membership, or regular visits to a salon for manicures or hair styling. Some need to set aside time alone to read or even to have a hotel room to themselves. Sometimes self-care means participating in a hobby that brings you joy and fulfillment, or treating yourself to a daily or weekly 'little thing' that refreshes you. 

When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life. ~Jean Shinoda Bolen

For me, those things that I do for myself are blogging and music. I spend more time than I probably should here writing, and still find it difficult to keep up with reading and commenting on other blogs, and occasionally I've asked myself if I should give it up. The answer has always been No, because even though I stress myself with deadlines at times, the whole process is fulfilling and feels like something I need to do for me. I love singing in a group, and so joining a Sweet Adelines chorus and being committed to that is one of the most fulfilling things that I do. It costs money and time and effort, but it's so worth it!

Looking after yourself means giving yourself grace and being kind to yourself. You won't always be perfect and get everything right, so don't be too hard on yourself. Sure we should take responsibility for ourselves and our mistakes, learn and grow and sometimes fail and often need to apologize, but it is self-care to do those necessary things and not beat ourselves up.

There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself. ~Brian Andreas

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. ~Malcolm Forbes

For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith. 

~Romans 12:3~

So we shouldn't let ourselves be self-centered, self-absorbed, and conceited. But we should be confident in who we are and find joy in being our best and acknowledging our gifts and good qualities. That's when we are in a good place to see what we need to work on and improve and set about caring for ourselves in a positive way, whether it's learning something new, making changes for the better, or improving ourselves physically.

Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live. ~Jim Rohn

You can't hate yourself happy, you can't criticize yourself thin, you can't shame yourself wealthy. Real change begins with self-love and self care. ~Jessica Ortner

Is it selfish to prioritize taking care of yourself? I think it can be, but seeing to your own needs and taking responsibility for your own well-being and happiness is reasonable and healthy. Again, as long as we're not self-centered and selfish. It can be as simple as knowing when it's time to say No and to allow yourself to rest. 

Selfish is caring for ourselves at others' expense . . . Self-care is taking care of ourseves so that we can be there for others. ~Bill Crawford

Boundaries are a part of self-care. They are healthy, normal and necessary. ~Doreen Virtue

Some people think that being a 'good Christian' and being kind and peaceable and meek means always putting yourself last on every list and sometimes we associate the word "self-care" with "selfishness". But the Bible assumes that we know how to take care of ourselves and want to do good things for ourselves, because the standard by which we are to love others is the way we'd love ourselves.

The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

~Romans 13:9~

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All that said, I couldn't resist adding a favorite old song about "looking out for Number One . . . and that's me!" I think this qualifies as being selfish, but it's a great song!

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Wednesday Quotes is a bi-weekly opportunity for bloggers to share their writing, poetry, photos, or stories inspired by our theme. We've chosen the themes as a starting point for your creativity, and the only requirement is that your post include at least one related quote. Feel free to combine or "double-dip" with other writing or photo challenges as well. Of course, we'd appreciate a link back to us, if you'd be so kind. Add your link and please visit others and leave a comment! The link is open for two weeks.

Thanks to Marsha at Always Write for introducing us to the Wednesday Quotes challenge, and for passing the hosting duties along so we can continue sharing great quotes! Wednesday Quotes is co-hosted by Kym at A Fresh Cup of Coffee and Sadje at Keep It Alive. 

Quoting reminds me there are other people in the world besides only me. 

And other thoughts besides mine, and other ways of thinking. 

~Gregory Maguire~

Wednesday Quotes 2025 Themes

January 8 - Planning Ahead/Setting Goals

January 22 - Winter Sleep

February 5 - Love Inspires Us

February 19 - Staying Balanced

March 5 - First Impressions

 March 19 - Looking After Yourself

April 2 - Competition

April 16 - Spring Colours

April 30 - Morning Routines

May 14 - Memorable Vacations

May 28 - Telling Your Stories

June 11 - Summer Fun

June 25 - Patriotism

July 9 - Hobbies

July 23 - Being Adventurous

August 6 - Spirituality

August 20 - Writing Letters

September 3 - Chocolate

September 17 - Making and Keeping Promises

October 1 - Autumn/Another Spring

October 15 - Daily Bread

October 29 - Night Skies/Stargazing

November 12 - Good Manners

November 26 - Celebrating Holidays

December 10 - Winter Wonderland

December 24 - Holiday Memories

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