Hullo, lovely people!
So today I'd like to talk about self-care, a radical notion in this world that's constantly pressuring us all the time, every day, every hour, every minute, every moment-- especially if you're a woman or someone who is AFAB-- to put others' desires and needs ahead of our own.
Self-care is exactly what it sounds like: taking care of yourself. And it's so, so important: you are important, and making sure that your needs are met and cared for is an act of survival. It is as vital as eating, as shelter, as water, as bathing and hygiene, and so on. It's something you shouldn't neglect because it's "frivolous" or "not a priority." You are the only one who can truly make yourself a priority and care for yourself the way you need to be cared for.
[Image Description: A white background with black text that reads "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare. Audre Lorde"]
Self-care is a deeply feminist notion because its inherent concept is that you are allowed to put yourself first. As Audre Lorde noted, this can be viewed as an act of a political nature as well as a personal nature. When you are a member of a marginalized group, you will be told every which way to Sunday that you are not valued, not loved, not needed, and not cared for. Engaging in self-care is basically a big middle finger to the world saying, "Fuck you, I am worth it. I am valuable. I am worth caring about." And that can feel awesome. :D
Self-care means something different for each person, and it can be different for one person each time they engage in it. It can be anything you define it to be-- it doesn't have to conform to the classic ideas like taking a hot bath or getting a massage (though those are perfectly acceptable, too! :D); all that matters is that you take care of you. Here are just some ideas for self-care if you need some inspiration:
[Image Description: A light green background with a darker green dashed line border all around and darker green text in a list-type format. At the top is text that reads "Ideas for Self-Care." Underneath is a section labeled "Quick Fix" with text under that that reads "Hand massage, Dance to your favorite song or sing it, Watch a cute animal video, Cuddle your nearest friend or loved one, Doodle, Read a poem, Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply, Play with a pet." Under that is text that reads "A Little Bit Longer" and under that is text that reads "Read your favorite book, Take a nap, Call your best friend just to chat, Make yourself a nice meal just for you, Go to a park or a garden, Take a day off work if able, Clean your house or a portion of it, Do a movie marathon, Have a crafting day." A final section beneath that is titled "A Big, Heaping Dose" with more text under that reads "Go on a vacation if able, Take extended personal/sick leave if able, Turn down or take a promotion, Distance yourself from abusive people, such as family or friends, if able, Start your own business or a blog, Move to a new place or job, Volunteer, Get a pet."]
No matter what you do, the key thing is to give yourself the freedom to relax, to do what you want to do, honor your needs and desires as much as others' (more, really), and to trust yourself in knowing what's best for you. Basically, treat yourself with as much gentleness and respect as you would give someone you care about. Allow yourself to remember that you deserve to be cared for. :]
Now go forth, sweet Reader! Care for yourself! Love yourself! And remember that you are awesome. :]
Ohhhhh, I almost forgot! We get to announce the two winners for the Halloween Giveaway today!! :D Using that fancy name generator again, the two winners arrrrrre:
Tina
and
Nikki!
Congratulations, you two! :D Message me privately via e-mail at [email protected] with your addresses so I can send them out to you ASAP! :D
Until next time, fair Readers!
Mischief Managed~
Jessi
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