It’s time to rescue the word self
For too long, the word self has been maligned by being used in ways that have a negative connotation:
- selfish
- self-indulgent
- self-centered
- self-absorbed
- self-serving
But Self is important. It’s who we are, and we are the only true steward our self has. If we don’t care for and honor ourselves, who will? Who else will make sure that all the power and potential inside you are recognized and unleashed?
“You are very powerful, provided you know how powerful you are.” ~Yogi Bhajan
“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.” ~Mary Dunbar
What is self?
It is a person’s essential being that distinguishes him or her from others. To that end, Self is something to be cherished and nurtured. Here are some words that give self a much more positive spin:
- self-aware
- self-esteem
- authentic self
- self-image
- self-help
- believe in yourself
- self-confident
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Everything worth having costs something, and the price of true love is self-knowledge.” ~ Source unknown
“My willingness to be intimate with my own deep feelings creates the space for intimacy with another.” ~ Shakti Gawain
Let’s start to rescue the word Self by some good old fashioned self-care. For me, that might look like making healthier choices around eating and exercise. Or perhaps an acknowledgment that I can’t give pieces of my time away without consequence.
What would self-care look like for you?
Photo credit: Photo by Ben Schonewille via Dollar Photo Club
Pin this:
Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” When I love myself in my God-given uniqueness, I have the peace of mind and understanding that enables me to love others. A balanced person can love himself (herself) without being selfish.
Yes! You’ve said it beautifully, Clarence. Thank you so much for supporting the point of my post.
Totally awesome post, E! As a mom and sometimes-wife (ha), I often realized I was always doing for others…always! Though I still do for others, I take significant time for my-self. And I don’t feel a dang bit guilty about it. If not now, when? I love the quote by the Yogi.
High praise from a professional editor…thank you, thank you, Karen! I think women over 50 were brought up like out mothers to do for others at the exclusion of caring for ourselves. Now we’ve raised our kids and done our community service and realize we are also stewards of ourselves and need to figure out what that looks like.