“Self-care is not indulgence. It’s self-preservation.”
Audre Lourde
Thank you, Spidey, for another thought-provoking one.
There’s a difference between Self-indulgence and Over-indulgence, let’s get that straight, first off!
I have definitely been known to over-indulge… my belly is proof of that…
But self-indulgence is different. That is excessive or unrestrained gratification of one’s own appetites, desires, or whims. (Oops, might be a bit of over-indulgence there, too…)
Self-care is a different kettle of fish. There is an element of self-indulgence involved, but it is measured. Because you take the time to do something for you, rather than for the pleasure of others.
You get to a point in your life where, if you are a parent, especially, your responsibilities begin to lessen, a tad.
(The worry? That doesn’t go anywhere, but you lose a certain amount of control, so you have to accept it!)
Or, just generally, that point in life arrives, where you realise you don’t need to be living your every minute dancing to someone else’s tune.
It’s fine to abide by the rules.
No one is disputing, that, but there are times when you know it is time to switch off from the world and do what you want.
It could be the obvious self-care regimes, taking time out for a bath, visiting the salon or going for a walk, going window-shopping or reading a book until late in the morning with your cup of tea cooling by your bedside, or whatever you wouldn’t usually make the time to do.
Not selfish, or over-indulgent. Just time for you.
I’ve definitely reached that time, in that I know what I have to do, as well as what I can leave, in order to give me enough time for my family and their needs, as well as time for me.
It’s a wonderful age!
So, Peeps, do you indulge yourself once in a while? 😊
But I Smile Anyway... 