Self-Care: Proactive Choice or Reactive Necessity?

November 28, 2023

Today, I want to share a little about my Thanksgiving which highlights a vital lesson for us all. As a coach, I often assist others in their pursuit of balance and well-being, but I’ve recently had a poignant nudge reminding me of my own need for balance and well-being.

A couple months ago, I had an idea to rent a cabin for the Thanksgiving holiday with my husband and children. It had been over a year since our last vacation, and both of us had been working tirelessly throughout the year. A break was long overdue, and I was looking forward to some quality family time away from our usual routine. Plus, as much as I love the holidays, the thought of the extensive preparation and work that goes into them was a tad overwhelming this year.

However, as life often does, our plans took a back seat to work commitments and scheduling conflicts. Thanksgiving was once again going to be hosted at our house. I adore the holidays, the decorations, and the joy they bring to my family, but this year, it felt a little more like a chore than the joyful tradition I typically cherish.

It was during my holiday routine of decorating our 12-foot Grinch-themed Christmas tree, that I realized something was just off. Everything seemed unusually difficult, and I felt a frustration and exhaustion that was uncharacteristic of me. The pressure to have everything ready by Thanksgiving only exacerbated this making matters even more challenging. 

Then, as if to drive home a lesson I had forgotten, I fell ill. A fever, body aches, and relentless fatigue forced me to cancel our Thanksgiving plans. With nothing but time on my hands and the quiet to think, I couldn’t help but reflect on the irony of the situation. I had initially intended to plan a “rest” for myself and my family, but somehow, it hadn’t materialized. It took an unexpected illness to teach me a crucial lesson: if you don’t make time for yourself, your body will find a way... even if it means getting sick.

This humbling experience has reminded me that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. As a coach, it’s my duty to aid others in their pursuit of balance and well-being, but I must also "practice what I preach". I must prioritize my own physical and mental health, not just during the holidays but throughout the year.

I share this personal journey with you to emphasize that none of us are immune to the demands of life, and we all need gentle reminders to prioritize self-care. It’s an ongoing process, and I too have to remind myself of its importance.

If you find yourself in a similar situation…. feeling overwhelmed and neglecting your own well-being, I encourage you to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish... it’s an essential foundation for helping others and living a fulfilling life.

Thank you for allowing me to share my personal journey with you. If you ever need guidance or support in your own pursuit of balance and well-being, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are all on this journey together, and we can learn and grow from each other’s experiences.