For some, the word “self-care” is a joyous idea: The perfect way to describe pouring time and energy back into you.
As the mom of a child with special needs, however, I have a hard time with the term. It makes me feel like what I’m doing for my child - and other children - isn’t enough; that I also need to find time to pamper myself. It also makes me self-conscious; like it’s obvious to others that I’m neglecting myself and am in desperate need of a Kathie Lee & Hoda Ambush Makeover. (Not that I would turn it down...)
This internal dialogue can put me in a really sad, lonely place and also lead me to defensively make judgments on others: “That lovely woman over there seems rested. She looks put together. If only I had the luxury, time and resources to prioritize myself.”
Instead of allowing the idea of self-care to send me into a tailspin, I decided to look at what God has to say on the matter. Scripture tells us that our bodies are gifts from God. If we are fit and healthy, won’t we be better able to carry out our earthly vocation? Including motherhood?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.