Chicken Soup for the Soul: Self-Care Isn't Selfish: 101 Stories about Looking Out for Yourself

by Amy Newmark

Self-care is not an act of selfishness, but a powerful commitment to looking out for yourself. You need to put yourself on your to-do list, too, make sure you have agency over your decisions, and nurture your own well-being so you can better show up for yourself and others. In this book of true stories from people just like you, chosen from Chicken Soup for the Soul’s library, discover how prioritizing your mental, emotional, and physical health can lead to a more balanced, fulfilled life, benefiting both you and those around you.

Where are you on your to-do list? Are you even on it? This new collection of stories drawn from Chicken Soup for the Soul’s library shows you how to prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health. These practical tips, inspiring stories, and actionable ideas will help you lead a more balanced, fulfilling life, benefiting both you and the people closest to you.

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s an essential part of being a functioning human being. These 101 true, personal stories, shared with you by women and men from all walks of life, are arranged in eleven inspirational

“No” Is a Complete Sentence
Channel Your Inner Warrior
Take Back Your Power
Reclaim Your Calendar
Get Outside in Nature
Love Who You Are
Do What You Love
Find Your Fitness
You Come First
Make Me-Time
Treat Yourself

352 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

Amy Newmark is the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Since 2008, she has published 191 new Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, most of them national bestsellers in the U.S. and Canada, more than doubling the number of Chicken Soup for the Soul titles in print today.

Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the thirty-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.

Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark. Listen to her free podcast, The Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, the Podcasts app on iPhone, or by using your favorite podcast app on other devices.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had some ok stories.

[Molly England · Rating 5 out of 5]

My story is on the very first page, which was a huge surprise and a massive thrill. This is a powerful book filled with heartfelt and inspiring stories, all aimed at reminding us that taking care of ourselves isn’t just important—it’s essential. Get your copy today! And check out my story - it's on page 1!! Available wherever books are sold.

[Maria Wen Adcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who is a caregiver whether it be your kids, elder parents or others, this book will inspire you. The stories will remind you how by taking care of ourselves, we're able to take care of others we're responsible for. Self-care is indeed not selfish!

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not zoom through this book as quickly as I do the humorous Chicken Soup books. The best selection in the book was "A Working Man's Chuck-It List" by Timothy Martin. Who wouldn't want to read about his "Ick-O-Meter"?

[Nicole Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent motivation book with practical tips to carve out time for yourself and reinforces why it's important. It's not selfish but necessary!