Self-Care in the New Year – Part IV

The last few things I’ll add about self-care…

As we’ve been exploring, self-care isn’t just about a bubble bath and exercise.  Think outside the box and find new ways to rejuvenate your energetic supply.  There isn’t a prescription and it will evolve for you over time.  Sometimes we may need a lot more or different kinds of self-care, while at other points in life, we may be fortunate enough to engage in less self-care and still feel energetic. The goals of self-care may shift and change.  You may recognize certain things working well for you at specific times, while these same types of care may not work well at other times.

Last, but not least…

Self-care is NOT selfish (not that selfish is a negative thing at all actually), and don’t let anyone try to convince you that it is. Self-care is the furthest thing from selfish possible because it is a way of replenishing your own inner supply of energy and resources in order to be able to give more to others.  As you practice with more self-care in your life, you may notice that those closest to you will feel a positive shift and may mention that something has changed in you.  They may notice that you seem more relaxed, patient, kind and happy.  Those closest to you will reap many rewards from your self-care routine.  It’s not just about you.

Go care for yourself now.  🙂

 

Kimberly Atwood is a licensed psychotherapist and certified sex therapist specializing in  sexual health, intimacy and relationship issues.  She works in private practice in Princeton, NJ and provides online therapy with clients across the country (IN, MA, NJ, NY, PA).  For more information, please check out her website.