Historically, women are “the caretakers”. Society encourages us to put other people first, and our value is often defined by how well we take care of someone else. We are daughters, mothers, sisters, spouses, friends, lovers, bosses, and teachers. It can be hard to find time for ourselves when we devote so much to caretaking for others. It can be a struggle to even learn who we truly are.
I figured out early in my life that the only thing I can control is me, and the only real instrument I have is me. I limit myself and my potential if I don’t know, understand, and take care of myself. I am not saying that this is easy to do. Some days it can be a real struggle to just have ten minutes for myself.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong in taking pride of how well you take care of someone else or taking pride in your family and friends. But be careful to not put yourself at the end of the list behind all the other people in your life. It is not selfish to take care of or to love yourself. Personal pride and growth are important. Learn how to both nurture and inspire yourself. Learn how to take care of you.
