You matter.
Your spouse matters.
Your kids matter.
Kids across the world… they matter.
What’s my point?
We hear the whole “self-care” mantra preached over and over on many platforms, especially this past year. It starts to get in your head.
I don’t disagree with “self-care” … but when did it become all about us?
+ As a mom, our kids take precedence.
+ As a spouse, our spouse take 1st place.
+ As a friend, we want to put their needs in the light.
+ As a Christian, we are called to die to ourselves.
However, I understand that we do all of the above BEST when we are healthy physically, spiritually and emotionally. Biblically, we are to love others as we love ourselves. How can we neglect our essential needs and expect to properly fulfill needs of others?
STEWARDSHIP.
Stewardship is the act of being in charge of something. Good stewardship, is doing the best we can with that which we are responsible for.
Our bodies.
Our bodies are not always our own.
+ As a Christian – we’re the temple of the Holy Spirit.
+ As a spouse – I am yours and you are mine.
+ As a mother – we are a safe haven, a shared body, a source of sustenance.
Our bodies are important. Having strength to hold our babies or grandbabies, and to fulfill the call on our lives. Our wellbeing matters.
My personal conviction is that I need to do the best I can to make good choices for my body so that I am well for those I hold dear. No one wants to be sick or weak, or see their family in that state. If you take care of your body, there is a better chance for you to be healthy and able as you mature.
Think about your future. How do you picture it? Hopefully with good health, enjoying your family and serving others. I hope to be healthy to enjoy my kids as they grow and, Lord willing, enjoy their kids! I want them to do incredible things, and pray my health does not hinder them. If we don’t take care of ourselves but know better, it is selfish. It could lead to illness that can hinder our calling and that of others.
Mental health is also of great value. NOBODY wants to see their family or friends suffer with mental health. It’s a hard road. Friends! You have so much worth. Do well with what you consume (food, products, supplements, meds) because they affect your body, including your precious mind.
When you think of self care, ditch the entitlement mentality and take on a healthy perspective. Sure, do something that sparks JOY in you here and there, definitely! But when self-care becomes an excuse or entitlement, you can be on a slippery slope to some nasty habits (think budget, toxic mindsets, etc).
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. You may not think it matters, but it matters. It matters for more than you. It matters for those whose lives you touch.
YOU ARE L O V E D.
YOU ARE V A L U A B L E.
YOU ARE W O R T H MORE THAN YOU KNOW!
There was a time where I felt overwhelmed with this. Reading all of the ingredient labels, unsure of what was greenwashed or truth. My suggestion is to give yourself grace and take it one step, one product at a time.
We have a major disservice with our products in America. Thankfully there are great options for doing better.
You don’t need to do this alone.
It’s much more fun with a community.
There is room at our table for you. <3
If this resonates with you, drop me a comment. I want to hear your heart on this topic! Is this something you’ve considered, or is this a new outlook?
Much love and health to you and yours,
-the ginger