by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?
It doesn't take much effort to get to the information source these days. It's just a matter of logging on and booting up and you can find out anything about anything. Does it mean it is the truth, fact, or the kind of information that you would welcome? Not necessarily, but it does give some direction, perspective, and our own interpretation as we see it. As I reflected on the idea of "Self-Care" and what exactly that means, there was a need to share. There are plenty of experts out there as it pertains to self-care and well-being. However, the one who truly needs to be the master of this practice is yourself! You can read, study, and learn everything you need to about self-care, but if you are not able, willing, or ready to practice it, then guess what? YOU WON'T! So I ask you, what exactly is Self-Care?
I hope that I now have you thinking, in a manner that has you open and available to receive. You see, I really have something to share on this particular subject matter. Like many out there I thought that I had this self-care thing under control. I mean, I was healthier than most, maintained an active lifestyle, had great support systems, and guess what? I was far from healthy, and in fact what I should of been focusing on and attending to, I was not. Therefore, it was only a matter of time when the vehicle known as "Me" was going to break down. Often in life our greatest learning comes directly as a result of being confronted with challenge. When challenge hits us we are presented with some choices. We can either embrace it and take steps toward changing for the better, or we can resist, avoid, and keep on doing what will only lead to more challenges. I'm the first choice kind of guy, and because I am, I have been afforded so many wonderful learning, growth, and self-awareness opportunities. Because I have chosen to fight on when I am hit with suffering, I have allowed myself to move forward...
So, let me now move you forward and toward the meaning behind this post and subject matter. Self-Care is a practice that is a part of your daily life activities. What that means is that you do it not only because you know it will keep you well, but because if you don't you will move farther away from the exact thing you are trying to reach. You practice self-care because you can see the benefits of this in your actions, personal relationships, professional opportunities, physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and so much more that you can achieve and receive. Self-Care is what you make it, and when you get to that place and space where it is a daily practice, then it is by far the most important job you have! To be well you have to work at it every day for the rest of your days. If this sounds like too much effort or work for you and you're just not feeling it, guess what? You are right about one thing, it is the hardest work out there, and it takes a tremendous amount of effort, patience, and resilience to accomplish. The experts can share the facts, data, and this or that model as it pertains to your wellness. However, there is only one person who can change their quality of life for the better, and that person has to make a choice.
Self-Care, What Exactly Is That? It is what you make it to be. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you either give yourself the opportunity to change for the better, or not. Until we meet again you be well to yourself, because when you are, that person you see in the mirror will be the same person you are looking at. Can You Hear Me?
About Author
Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process.
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