Selflessness and Self-Care-Fullness

This week I am reminded again of the critical intersection of selflessness and the ability to care for one's self.

I stand on the foundation that leadership is a selfless act - we should relentlessly support and care for others as our privilege and obligation.  This cannot, however, be ongoing if we ourselves fail.  If we do not take care of ourselves then we are either partially or fully disabled from the higher mission of caring for others.

The ability to take care of ourselves is often more difficult to accomplish than taking care of others.   So, a few meditative thoughts. . .

In my case this week. . .I need a little time, maybe just a few hours, to re-center myself and focus on what is ahead.   This may be as simple as a long walk. . .or a few moments in Starbucks. . . or a long  nap.

At other times, it may require a re-balancing of time spent at work vs. time spent at home.  It may mean that it's time to work out. . .or even commit time to the blessings of a good meal.

It could mean a vacation.    It could mean a road trip.   It may a visit to the doctor or dentist or massage therapist.

"Shaking things up" is always good for the soul.

A conversation with a trusted friend is a significant part of self-care.  Time spent in meditation with ourselves and the world around us is a great complement.    

Self-Care-Fullness:  the ability to center and nurture ourselves so that we are complete.  Only then can we truly serve others as leaders.

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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.