Self-care is not selfish (nor is it shellfish)

Can a person have a good day if they don't take care of themselves? Do you know a person who is always doing for others until they just can't anymore? Does it seem that even though they are doing good day things, they are not having good days?

Sure, making today a good day is often about doing for others but it's OK though, to do things for yourself; sometimes it's almost required so that you can recharge and keep going.

Take some time today and list activities that make make you happy. Try to think of ones that don't take too long and don't require too much preparation. 

Things that make me happy when I need a boost:

• Making coffee - grinding, brewing, smelling, drinking; it's the process more than the drink
• Napping - in the sun with the nap blanket
• Drinking a glass of wine - dry and spicy
• Facebooking - catching up with friends and family
• Reading - fiction, non-fiction . . anything is fine
• Writing - things like this essay
• Exercising - this doesn't actually make me happy, but it's effects do and I like those

Other self-care activities:

• Meditating
• Cooking
• Eating
• Walking
• Gardening
• Crafting
• Gaming

Self-care doesn't need to take a lot of time (but it can if you have it to spare). Self-care doesn't need to involve anyone else (but you can involve people or pets if you have a ready friend). Find your happy thing and let people know that it's important to you and necessary.

If anyone hassles you for being selfish, tell them *I* said it was OK.