Taking Care of ourselves can be large choices that we make – being financially solvent or only nourishing relationships that are reciprocal. It can also be small choices that we make every day. The choice to go for a hike rather than arguing with someone else. Learning to become more embodied and grounded within ourselves rather than absorbing even more media or directing our attention towards slights, minor offenses, or grudges. With all of the options available to each of us my greatest encouragement to you is to choose the path the brings you joy.

I write about joy a lot but what I mean by using that word is fulfillment, personal satisfaction and pride. Some choices are hard and difficult to make, they are not “joyful,” but for our health and wellbeing they are necessary. The choices we make have very real impact on our quality of life. 

If we surround ourselves with people who deliberately misunderstand us, or drag us down, we will feel it in our bodies. When we leave these interactions we feel tired, drained, or as if we’ve been run over. The option exists for us then to consider, do we choose to embrace these false narratives about ourselves? Or do we let the relationship go and move on?

A friend I love has a challenging relationship with her children. She raised them as a single parent and has poured into them everything she knows how to give. She has also made mistakes along the way, as we all do. However, one of the best and healthiest decisions I have seen her make she made this year on Mother’s Day. Instead of sitting home and feeling mopey or depressed she travelled. She went to visit friends and while she joined in her family’s celebration she also set clear boundaries. “I came to wish my own mother Happy Mother’s Day and now I am going to swim in the pool.” A perfect Mother’s Day. 

A splendid example of taking care of yourself. It was a masterclass example of not folding to the opinions of others. She took care of herself and I plan to follow suit. Give the love you have to give and get out. You don’t owe anyone your time or attention. If a relationship leaves you feeling drained and judged, you have permission to leave. You have the power to decide how you spend your own time. You get to be happy. Those are your choices. I hope you choose the path that brings you joy.

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