Looking after yourself is not selfish

This winter has been particularly hard for many of our people, with various long-standing viruses hitting hard. Others of us have faced personal crises that have rocked our world. When life takes us down it’s sometimes very hard to remain optimistic. “The spirit is willing but the body is weak.”

So what can we do to help ourselves rise up again? Firstly, tell someone you trust about what you’re going through. In the nights before Christ was crucified He kept calling for His friends to stay with Him. We are not designed to be in isolation. A problem shared is a problem halved. Secondly, we could make a self-care plan. Jesus Himself did not allow others expectations of Him to dominate His life. He took Himself away from the crowds, even when they needed Him, and took time to seek His Father in prayer. Looking after yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary. If we crash and burn out, then what good are we to anybody? Are you getting enough “rest?” On the seventh day God rested from the work of creation. If we spend all our hours working and making money, we don’t get to enjoy the joy of just “being” and “living” and “laughing.” Too many people get to the end of their days wishing that they’d taken more time just to “smell the roses.” Let’s talk diet! Are you eating healthy food and eating regular meals? Jesus ate fish, bread, veges, fruit, and a little wine. Healthy food is the fuel that keeps us going, uplifting our mood and increasing our immunity. Our weather hasn’t been helpful for walking and exercise has it? But summer is coming! Jesus and his disciples walked for miles in the fresh air and sunshine. It’s good for our physical and mental health to exercise regularly.

Looking after ourselves is not selfish, it’s necessary.

When we love ourselves we are much more able to love others.