In the equation of your life, where are you? Inked in? Um, well, no, penciled in? Maybe? Sorta/kinda? Or … pretty much never unless there are three blue moons in a month that ends in h. (Yeah, kinda limited that one, didn’t you?)

It doesn’t work. Oh, it may seem like it’s working just fine. But, I can pretty much guarantee you, sooner or later, that burning everyone else’s candle for them will cause some third degree burns to your own self.

Self care should be a part of your life in the best of the times. In the worst of times? If you are battling stress, the world, relatives, a job, illness? Mandatory. Can NOT be skipped. Keep remembering: Self care is not selfish. It isn’t. Letting yourself fall apart into whatever, including illness that comes from this, isn’t doing anyone any favors. It harms, not only you, but those around you.

So, do IT. In bigger ways and in the teensiest ways that still will feel like you cared for yourself some. They all matter. If you can’t manage big — time wise or finance wise — (though I challenge you to get creative and find places where big works) you always can manage small. Simply sit and get quiet and breathe deeply. Turn off the freaking phone or whatever. This is you time. Lose yourself for whatever space of time you have in a great book. Put on the headphones, tune out the world noise, and lift yourself up in some good music. Go out and move your body. No convos, just enjoy what moving your body, especially out in the fresh outdoors, does for your soul and your well being. Etc. Whatever does this for you is your ticket in. Just do it. No excuses. You need it to remain well. The world won’t fall apart (further) in that time. And you — well, you will come back to it stronger, better, healthier, calmer, more energetic.

You often make time for all sorts of health needs. Self care is another one of these. (And, shhh, don’t tell anyone, but it’s darn enjoyable.) It needs to be worked into your life. Don’t feel guilty about it. You need it to be well. Give yourself permission to take care of you so others don’t have to end up taking care of you when you’re ill.