You can't care for others if you don't take care of yourself

[Fleshdancer]

I don't know about you, but I tend to put myself last. I agree with this article, but it's not always easy:

http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/stories/other/02/03/0203guide.html

Trudeau likes to cite the poet and activist Audre Lorde: "Self-care isn't about self-indulgence. It's about self-preservation." In other words, Trudeau says, it's "that idea of putting your oxygen mask on first before helping others."

If you don't, you'll see the signs that something is off. One of the big red flags? "You can begin to get very resentful of the people around you." And who wants to be like that?

On the other hand, when you are practicing good self-care, you can expect plenty of benefits. " It affects your stress levels," Trudeau says. "It affects your ability to balance things in your life. It can dramatically affect your mood. It affects your ability to weather crises."

[LeftyFingerPop]

1. This is so true Gloria...

It is so difficult to be a caretaker, especially for a family member.. The mental stress alone is overwhelming.

The caretaker MUST keep himself/herself healthy FIRST.

Nice post.

Edit: Sorry, I read this in the context of being a caretaker, because that is at the forefront of my mind. But this is true in general also...we have to take care of ourselves first.

[Fleshdancer]

2. Your context makes perfect sense

In fact, caretakers should be the first people to take time for themselves on a regular basis. They are truly angels on earth and I imagine the stress can be overwhelming.