Everyone knows that life can be difficult. Trying to juggle school, work, extracurricular activities, and a social life can be extremely tough. Throughout the busy days and long nights, sometimes we can forget about the most important things in life. One of these things is ourselves.
Through the stress of creating yourself and becoming who you always wanted to be in college, it can seem easy to lack in the art of self-care. Have you ever sat down and really thought about yourself? How often you engage in activities that you truly love to do? How many times a day do you encourage yourself? How often do you care for yourself like you care for others?
I am the type of person that finds it easy to put others first, before myself. Over time, I know that this has impacted my mental health and the amount of self-care strategies that I engage in. In the past, I have been more concerned with others' feelings than my own. Lately, however, I have found myself putting my own interests in front of others', and this is something completely new to me.
As crazy as it may sound, putting myself first is an odd feeling; I feel like I am changing the way that I navigate life because of this simple change. I decided that 2018 will be the year that I finally take care of myself. It will be the year that I actively engage in self-love and self-care.
When thinking about self-care, sometimes I think that I am caring for myself by going and spending time with others and by being so involved in my school work and extracurricular activities. However, what I have failed to realize is that these are things that I simply like to do, not ways to care about or for myself.
In 2018, I have made it a priority to love myself and to care for myself. After all, I am the only one who can entirely take care of myself. Take some time this year to appreciate the little things. Put on a face mask, read your favorite book, listen to a new artist, or simply relax and breathe. Through all of the chaos that is life, do not forget to love yourself. You are so worth it, and without you, no one’s life would be the same. The people that surround us tell us how much we mean to them and tell us how much they love and appreciate us. I say that it's time we start doing the same for ourselves.
Love yourself because you have value.
Love yourself because you are worthy.
Love yourself because you deserve to.
