As kids it's drummed into us that being selfish is wrong.
Share your toys. Share your food. Share the airtime in conversations.
Of course this is pretty sensible guidance because living with others in relative harmony means not keeping it all to yourself. The theory is that if you share with others, then they'll share with you too.
But not being selfish isn't the same as believing that it's somehow wrong to care for yourself, and to look after No 1 at times.
When you travel by air the safety demonstration makes clear that you should put on your own oxygen mask before tending to the needs of others, and this makes great sense.
If you're going to be of help to the people around you, you need to be strong yourself.
So making sure you're well-rested, well-fed and well-adjusted isn't selfish.
It's just right and proper.
Yes, spot on again Jon, even if this is an old one, worth mentioning again, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI was brought up with a complete misunderstanding of 'Love thy neighbour as thyself'. I thought it was 'Love thy neighbour more than thyself' which doesn't really work. When you don't love yourself and think you're worth looking after too you end up with not much to give.
ReplyDeleteI feel uncomfortable when I think about this. I'm pretty well rounded so striking a nerve is pretty interesting. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteOddly, this is my ME day! I agree entirely with your advice. When I was suffering with depression about 10 years ago I realised it was because I was too busy looking after everybody else to have time for myself. So now I make sure that I walk my dog every morning and have regular ME days (actually, its more like taking the old banger to the garage..haircut, dentist, drs etc..) So just remember that you need to keep yourself serviced and MOT'd just as you have to with your car. Its essential maintenance.
ReplyDeleteThis is great and exactly what I did today! I had dinner scheduled with some friends and didn't want to disappoint them by not going, I was feeling so rough all day. Reading this moodscope message gave me that little kick I needed to cancel and go home and relax and take care of myself. :)
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing. Well done. So often I have gone through with a social engagement dreading it but thinking like you did that I didn't want to disappoint my friends or let them down. If only I had cancelled, I would have saved myself so much grief, wasted energy and self critical analysis after the event!
DeleteSimple and stimulating stuff, thank you :)
ReplyDelete