Self-Care

I’ve had a sort of running theme over the last week and it has to do with “Self-care” and my need for it. Over the years I think I’ve gotten better at self-care but honestly it’s really easy to take care of everyone else when there is so much need!

It’s easy to ignore my body’s promptings to take a break, go to the bathroom, have a glass of water, or even eat! Certain times of the day I tend to ignore myself. I get tired, aggravated and short on patience and in that moment when my mind and body have reached their limits instead of pausing, I push in.

Don’t get me wrong- if I didn’t push in and press on things wouldn’t get done. However there is a balance. If I don’t stop to drink that glass of water or take that potty break- yes eventually I have to- I’m neglecting myself and my mind knows it. What good is all the good I want to do if I’m resentful about it?

In the moments when I feel the need to push passed my thoughts, to push passed my physical needs I’m going to try to pause. I’m going to try to pause to listen. I’m going to try to pause to listen to myself and to see if God is trying to have a teachable moment with me- because God’s voice is in the stillness, it’s in the whisper.

“For it is not to others that we should first of all turn; instead we should create the necessary space to meet with God Himself.” Charles Ringma

“…self-care leads us on the path to God’s will and plan for our life. Self-care never leads away from our highest good; it leads toward it.
Learn to nurture that voice inside.”- Melody Beattie

Author: Erica Petrowski

Married for over 15 years and a stay at home mother of 4. I have a bachelor's degree in Interior Design, an associates degree in fine arts and years of experience in customer service. I rededicated my life to Jesus in 2000, & hail from Long Island New York. My Husband and I moved to Arizona in January of 2011. View all posts by Erica Petrowski