I was browsing on Pinterest last week when I saw a quote that stopped me in my tracks and allowed me to think about how many times I flt guilty about caring for myself. Whether you are a mother, wife, MilSpouse or caregiver this statement couldn’t ring more true.
"I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” – Audre Lorde
I have been a caregiver for my wounded husband since 2006 and before that I was a MilSpouse waiting on his return from war. I was going to college, working and holding down our 6. Where was the time to care for me?
Why do we feel that caring for ourselves is self-indulgent? How can we take care of EVERYTHING if we don’t take care of ourselves?
I have finally arrived at a point where I will take care of myself and not feel guilty. I have challenged myself this year to do all the things I have put on the back burner for myself because then I can survive.
In order to survive we must go to counseling to manage our stressors, we must go to the Doctor when something out of the norm pops up or we are sick. By neglecting these things are we are doing a disservice to ourselves.
Stop neglecting yourself the basic necessities of life and even throw in some fun things just for you. Life can be put on hold temporarily while you do what you need to do for yourself. It IS an act of survival.
Cheryl Gansner is the wife of a wounded soldier. In her words: “LIfe has been a series of ups and downs. I have waited on him to return from war, learned how to accept our new normal after injuries, processed grief, and made some of the most amazing friends because of our tragedy. Our story is one of love, loss, hope and perseverance.” Cheryl is the Program Coordinator for Operation Homefront's Heart of Valor program.
