Many people, with good intentions, think they should give all they have in the service of others. They think taking time away to do something fun, relaxing, for personal development just for them, is an act of selfishness. Self-care is NOT selfish! Listen as I explain how taking care of yourself is, actually, the most generous thing you can do:

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Show Outline:

Question: Who is the most important person in the world? The President, the Pope, your spouse, your children? No. It's YOU!!
You have to take care of your car or it doesn't run.
If you are a business owner, you have to invest in and take care of the equipment needed to produce your product or you'll be out of business!
You cannot be the greatest mom, dad, business person, athlete, care-giver, financial investor.... if you don't exist!
The most valuable asset you will ever own, the best investment you will ever make, is YOU!!
Self-Care is NOT Selfish!
Secure the oxygen mask to our own face first, in the case of an emergency on an airplane. It is very hard to care for the people around you if you are gasping for breath and struggling for your own survival.
I meet so many people, who are near the point of burnout from caring for others, who are reluctant to take a mental and physical health break, because they feel it would be selfish to do so.
You owe it to the people you care for to take good care of yourself! You cannot continue to give the best level of care if you are depleting all of your physical and emotional resources.
Having strong work-ethic and caring about your job is admirable, but you are actually doing your company a disservice by not taking care of yourself, physically or emotionally. If you have a mental breakdown, get sick, or just lose stamina because you are exhausted, you will not be able to perform your work--therefore hurting the company you are trying to help, therefore having a bad work ethic!
Most churches hold annual women’s retreats. Often, women who are reluctant to go because they feel guilty about taking a weekend away from their husbands and children to go away with a group of other women to "retreat."
I take occasional weekend retreats to be alone, rest, think and write. I always come back with more energy and creative ideas than before I left. In fact, my boys will sometimes recognize the symptoms and say "Dad, maybe it’s time for you to take a retreat."
Sometimes the best strategy for moving forward is a brief retreat!
Please, for the sake of everyone who needs you, take care of yourself first. We need you to be your best!
Here are just a few things you can to do to invest in yourself:

Consistently get a good night's rest. Fatigue from lack of sleep is very dangerous to your physical and mental health.
Eat well and exercise regularly. Your body is a priceless piece of equipment; treat it that way.
Spend quality, unplugged, time away from work with your family and friends. Really, have a life.
Feed your brain a regular diet of good books, both fiction and non-fiction, unrelated to your occupation.
Join a "mastermind group" of people who will encourage, educate and support you.


There's no shame in getting help. In fact, it is wise! If you are near or already to the point of burnout, seek the professional help a counselor or life coach.
The most important point, here, is to realize your company, your family, your dependents, your friends, in fact, the whole world, needs you to be the best possible you. Invest in yourself. As you take care of yourself and improve yourself, those around you benefit and are, themselves, improved.
Self-care is not selfish. It may be the most generous thing you can do!

Mentioned in this show:

LifeThought: Self-Care is Not Selfish - Bruce Van Horn
Boston Marathon #Miles4Smiles Fundraiser
Download: Affirmations for Abundant Living
LIAM Team Life Coaching Community