They needed me. I wasn’t out there with them doing whatever needed done.
I felt guilty. I was spending time on myself.
Guilt and Self Care
I remember a time I was falling apart inside and out. I didn’t feel like I could take a moment for myself. There was so much to do, so many people who depended on me. I had responsibilities. I could wait. Their needs had to be taken care of and it took all my time and attention. Until I couldn’t any more. Until I was an emotional, exhausted wreck. I had drained my bucket dry. There were no reserves. I felt guilty taking a few moments to rest, to recharge myself and refill my bucket so I could continue to care for others and to give, give, give.
I finally took some time to myself, because I had to. I was falling apart. I took a nap, and took a long soak in a tub full of bubbles. I laid my head back, took a deep breath… and felt guilty. They needed me. I wasn’t out there with them doing whatever needed
done. I felt guilty. I was spending time on myself.
Guilt is defined as having committed a specific or implied offense or crime. Where is the crime or offense in taking a break? Where is the crime or offense in taking a moment to recharge?
I know it’s hard to break away from taking care of others and all the busy-ness of life. The truth is it is vital that you do just that. Without taking the time to take care of yourself, and give yourself the mental, emotional, and physical break from being the one that does it all and takes care of it all, you will break down and be out for even longer. You will get literally sick, exhausted, or be so drained that you cannot keep going. I know. I was there.
Starting today, commit to yourself that you will take time and care for yourself. Then you can continue to be there for those who rely on you.