I love this tweet by someone I’ve considered a teacher for almost three decades, Marianne Williamson. In this age of Trump and as many are engaging in activism, I am finding it’s more crucial than ever to engage in SELF CARE.
This isn’t selfish, in fact, it’s one of the most impactful and powerful things one can do. I can only speak from the activities I do every day. I journal, meditate, even ten minutes of yoga or pilates. I journal around programs that I personally know work. For me, Al-Anon is highly effective. But I have to show up and “work the program”. I understand fully that 12-step programs aren’t for everyone. Find something that speaks to you.
Setting healthy boundaries is vital. We do not have to engage with someone who doesn’t respect who we are or speaks to us in an ongoing disrespectful manner. That’s both dishonoring to us, but to them if we allow this. I choose on a daily basis to not allow this. Now, in the past, I would argue and respond in an equally angry way. That was my defenses kicking in, stemming from core unresolved childhood wounds. I can now set boundaries (and do!) with love.
Showing up every day FOR OURSELVES as if we matter is not selfish. To be an activist in this age of Trump we must take care of ourselves first. Think of it this way, we cannot do a job adequately if we are running very low on supplies. Self-care is replenishing our supply.