TAKE CARE YOURSELF, BEFORE YOU TAKE CARE OF OTHERS | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

TAKE CARE YOURSELF, BEFORE YOU TAKE CARE OF OTHERS

Taking care of your selfless self.

595
TAKE CARE YOURSELF, BEFORE YOU TAKE CARE OF OTHERS

I was raised to help people. At a young age, my father sat my brothers and I down and explained how “us Winslows’” are raised. We are supposed to help other people. From that discussion, I’ve made it my life mission to help others in any way I can. The issue I’ve had, though, is finding the balance. One cannot simply do everything for others, just like one cannot do anything somethings for others. I have difficulty with this balance. I care about the goals, desires, and dreams of others. I wish to help them obtain those dreams. In that process, one forgets about themselves. I forget about my own dreams, desires, and goals. My goal is to help people, but I can only help those who help themselves. In life, one must try to help themselves. I cannot help those who need help if I cannot care for myself. I have come to this realization.

Here are some things I have pondered on how to handle this situation.

1) Take a breather

Sometimes, just taking a break and caring for yourself is something much needed in order to refresh for the next day. It is difficult to care for others if you cannot care for others.

2) Draw the line

It is okay to say no. If you have enough on your plate, or you need your breather, it is okay to restrict yourself. Saying no should not offend the other party. If it does, kindly explain to them why you need to say no.

3) Get to know yourself

Spend some time with yourself. Get to know your hobbies, your inspirations, your interests. Sometimes in the process of doing so much for others, you lose a piece of yourself. You lose the passions you had before. Try to explore interest you may not have known you had.


4) Do something for yourself

Make time for yourself. Do you enjoy reading? Find a quiet room and lock yourself in there and read to your hearts content. If you like to paint, find some inspiration to paint something. Do you like Netflix? Binge watch your favorite Do something for yourself that you enjoy that gets you away. Go to camp for the weekend if need be.]

5) Plan and access

Set goals for yourself. What do you want to do? What do you aspire to be/do? Do you want to own a business? Do you want to want to practice law? Do you want to be an artist? What is your aspiration? Set these goals to reach what you want to become. You cannot find absolute happiness by just pleasing others. Altruism is great, just don’t over load yourself. Take time to set goals for yourself, while taking part of the volunteerism and philanthropy you enjoy.

All in all, I hope you take my advice that I am starting to follow while going through this process.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

131269
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

30244
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

27826
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments