If you had asked me 15 years ago to articulate my self-care to you - I would have been struck mute. I spent most of my energy taking care of everyone else. I believed for a very long time that in order to have any worth, I had to prove that I was worth keeping around because of the care I gave to others. It wasn't until I was out on my own, doing my own thing that I realized that this plan that I had made for myself was not going to work. I was completely run ragged, I was in terrible emotional and physical health and I had absolutely no idea who I was or what I was worth to myself or anyone else.
There wasn't really an a-ha moment -- it was more of a gradual process. It was about listening to myself, trusting my intuition, telling my story and being present. Meditation played a role. A lot of soul searching played a role and the knowledge of wanting something more.
It isn't a perfect practice, by a long shot - but I know that the person I am today is much healthier and happier than the person I was many years ago because I take the time to listen to myself and my own needs.
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