Self-Care. Who Cares? I Care

I remember being in graduate school and one of my professors began talking about “self-care.”  She continued to note without self-care social work can be a taxing profession.  I sat and listened somewhat confused.  I had always enjoyed literature, wrote independently and felt I was up to date on most things, however I had never heard the term “self-care.” 

                The conversation continued and slowly I figured out what exactly “self-care” was.  I thought it was truly insane and dismissed the notion altogether.  Some of my classmates began reflecting on activities they did at the time to care for themselves, such as yoga, reading books about mindfulness, and taking vacations with their friends. 

Again, I listened but I had tried yoga and thought I was going to jump out of my skin.  The entire hour I thought about how more productive running was and all the time I was wasting by trying to find my center.  As for reading the only books I was reading at the time were text books with titles like “Biological Basis of Behavior,” and as for vacations I had rent to pay and three jobs to tend to.

                In fact during this discussion I remember becoming anxious and wanting to get out of the classroom.  I remember feeling as though the room was getting smaller and although “self -care” was a lovely idea it was not something for me at the time.  

                Yet, here I am years later and still hearing about the importance of self-care. I no longer doubt it's importance, but for whatever reason it still seems unappealing.  I think I struggle with the notion of having to schedule it, because in reality I have found it is in the little, natural things.  It is going outside to plant flowers and pull weeds.  It is listening to my toddler laugh.  It is gazing out the window while I do dishes.  It is caring for others.  It is the unselfishness of loving the simple things throughout my day.  It is little hands, and breezes that sneak through the backyard that leave me not needing anything more. It is being content with the present.