Self-Care vs. Self-Love

Self-care is all the rage right now, and that’s not a bad thing, but let’s talk a little about self-love first. What happens when life hits you in the face so hard, there’s no time for a massage, or manicure, or a cocktail with your best friend. What if you’re so empty physically and mentally, your wilted, perspired, self just falls into bed instead of soaking in a warm bath? What if, you’ve been struggling with health issues for so long, you are completely depleted physically, and financially? What if…you lost your job, or your mom, or your husband, or God forbid – your child, or your best friend betrayed you…or one of your children broke your heart so badly…you’re sure you’ll never live through it? What if you are working extra jobs to make ends meet, or working extra house to take care of your aging parents?

What if your backside has become your wide side, your tummy resembles Buddha with a road map, and the only good thing about your unibrow, is that it matches your roots?

What if you ordered 2 coffee’s at Krispy Kreme, so the drive through girl wouldn’t know both crème filled donuts were for you, and the Dominoes delivery guy knows your first name? Maybe your yoga pants have a permanent crease in them from being at the bottom of your drawer for so long??

What if…despite all these things…you took your veil off, for YOU? You gave your body its due gratitude.

What.

If.

You traced the map on your belly with remembrance, and reverence. These are war marks. Yes, no matter how they got there- they represent something you survived.  And, yes while we’re at it, view your less than perky breasts with affection…O.K., maybe they were close to perfect one day, you were indeed much younger then. But. You didn’t know what you know now, you held more judgment, and practiced less forgiveness. You knew little then about priorities, and even less about people.

Those lines on your face…they announce to the world that you’ve spend years laughing and crying, you’ve made mistakes…and you’ve made a difference.

And your backside…well, you’ve been knocked on it- figuratively – more than once, and always gotten back up. So, thank you Lord, for shapewear.

For now, just for now… in this very hard place, allow yourself to accept, embrace, and celebrate, all your body has brought you through. You know you want so many more years to enjoy what you’ve learned. Make a firm promise to yourself, you will return to self-care, with no excuses, (exercise and organic veggies included) the second you’re able? If you need us, we’re here to help when you’re ready. Until then, look proudly in the mirror, remind yourself this is only a season and you’re doing a phenomenal job.

Then. Whisper a grateful prayer for your body, which has carried you through so much.

There is no self-care greater than self-love.

Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.