Self Care is Not Selfish
Thank you for your grace last week in me taking a week off from the mibe Message as we wrapped up our 2nd Heart Leadership Workshop. It was an amazing three days and once again my heart is full. I continue to be inspired by the attendees’ humility, vulnerability and strong desire to become more impactful leaders. Based on the feedback we have already received, I know they are already taking what they learned and making a difference in their organizations. If you weren’t able to attend, details will be coming soon for the next one in August and we hope to see you there!
During the course of the workshop, my sister, Stacy Lambatos, talked about being open to messages, signals and signs in your life. Those things that stand out, catch your attention and sometimes seem to be chalked up to coincidences. In her talk she encouraged us to think of those things as the universe trying to tell you something that you need to hear.
The morning of the first day of the workshop, I was doing a Peloton ride taught by Robin Arzon and at one point during the ride, she said; “Remember, self care is not selfish!” Then on day two of the workshop, one of the attendees came up to me and said the thing that most resonated with her was a conversation she had with one of our speakers who told her; “Self care is not selfish.” Finally at the end of last week in a “suggested article” on my phone it was titled: “Why self care matters.” Now, three times in one week is pretty compelling and clearly a message I needed to hear.
I truly enjoy serving others and have been prone to feeling guilty at times for doing things for me. I have to remind myself that if I don’t take care of myself, I can’t show up as my best for others. When we take care of ourselves we have more energy and can better face adversity. Selfishness is when we do something that benefits us at the expense of someone else. Making time to care for yourself does not have to be extracting of anyone else.
So in light of the messages sent my way, it’s fitting that this week I’m in Isla Mujeras, Mexico on the annual Footers Vacation with 40 of our team members. After a two year hiatus, this special tradition is back and couldn’t be more timely. A chance for us to celebrate how far we’ve come over the past two years, recharge before our busy season and create deeper connections with new and tenured people on our team. And I promise to lean into self care and won’t pass on the opportunity to get a massage while I’m there!
Vacations are a great way to enjoy self care, but don’t forget to find ways to incorporate self care weekly or even daily. A five-ten minute meditation, stretch or journal entry can go a long way to helping you show up as your best self for the people in your life. I hope you’ll find some time today for the most important person in your life: You!