Be good to yourself so you can be good for others

Sherri T.

These were the wise words of the dear mother of Ruth C. who sent the following lovely tribute:

“My mom would have been the last person to think about herself before others.  But in her own way, she must have understood the importance of being good to yourself so that you can be good for others.

With COVID having affected the lives of so many, I realized the importance of keeping well both physically and mentally. I recently signed up to online fitness classes and I couldn’t help but remember my mom running to the TV for The Ed Allen Show.

It was unusual for me to see my mom “do something for herself” as she so rarely did. Her life purpose was to ensure that the needs of her seven children were always met.

After my fitness class, I realized the benefits of “recharging my batteries.” Mom must have benefitted in her own way since she needed a lot of battery to do what she accomplished every day.

Now, after my early morning fitness classes, I’m ready to face the challenges ahead with a fresh approach. Even if I am unsuccessful in my day, at least I know I accomplished something good – as small or big as that may be.

Little did I know, these wise moms knew what they needed for themselves to be good for others. I now understand my mom’s wise words: “If you’re not any good to yourself, how can you be good for others”?”

How true is that?  In fact, my own mother used to say: “Make an investment in your health.”

Easier said than done.  Who had time to relax with all that laundry growing rapidly from pile to pillar? Who had time for me when I was so busy taking care of everything else?

Who had time to smell the roses when all I wanted was to smell the coffee? My first, last and only drug of choice. 

Thank you, Ruth, for reminding us that if we really want to take good care of our partners, children, parents, siblings and friends, then we need to start by taking good care of ourselves.