Self-Care isn’t Selfish

Juggling being a wife, mom, entrepreneur, and nine-to-fiver can sometimes become hectic. I was never a planner or one to schedule activities and events, so I managed the best I could. I thought being tired was normal for someone with a busy lifestyle, such as mines. However, one day I was leaving an event and saw someone I hadn’t seen in a long time. While chatting and laughing I mentioned how tired I was. As we prepared to leave the event she said, “Take care of yourself,” and those words sat with me and rehearsed in my head. I realized how much I was not taking care of myself while serving everything and everyone else. 

"I decided to commit to self-care, as well as committing to soul-care and loving myself better. This shift in priorities was similar to finding a gold coin".

In that very moment those words "Take Care of Yourself" had become my new reality. I began to notice areas where I would become easily irritated and annoyed, especially when I did not manage my time well. I had to make a change and in doing so, I began to write. I decided to commit to self-care, as well as committing to soul-care and loving myself better. This shift in priorities was similar to finding a gold coin. Finding moments to steal away, take long, hot bubble baths, buying candles, going on prayer walks, sitting in silence, and journaling had become apart of my lifestyle. 

Over time I noticed a tremendous change in my mindset. My perspective of life and the people around me changed. When I began to give myself 100 percent, I was able to give 100 percent to my sons, my husband,  and the beautiful souls I encountered daily. Self-care isn’t just retail therapy or spending thousands of dollars and regretting it later. It’s learning to be comfortable being alone in spaces where you can meditate and learn from the most intricate parts of you. This allows you to give back to the others you interact with for the rest of your life. With that being said, I now realize that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s imperative.

 -Olea Harris, CEO Thiinnkk Pretty