Why Taking Care of Myself is An Act of Love

[occasionally]

Even before my father died in April, I had spent a lot of time thinking about how his total disregard for his health for so many years wasn't merely hurting him--it was a slap in the face to the people who loved him, my mother in particular. That's because we had to share in the burden. I spent 21 years watching him die a slow and rather unpleasant

Comments

[sfminou]

Hugs from your daughter are worth more than anything you could possibly do in that paying-attention-to-myself time. Think of the time as banking hugs twenty, thirty, forty years down the road. Then you can remind me (and others) of the same thing.

[occasionally]

In my case that "paying-attention-to-myself time" has been prescribed to me by my health care provider, because medication alone has not been sufficient to combat severe clinical depression and associated anxiety. During that time daughter gets to play with and hug her daddy or grandparents--or take a much needed nap.

When I was told to relax 3x a day, I balked. I also started to panic (the very thing I'm trying to combat). I was told that it wasn't much different than taking a course of antibiotics to get better.

It already means I feel more present and engaged when I'm with my daughter, because I don't have the constant background noise in my head. I'm more than willing to give up 15 minutes a day if it leads to a higher quality of together.

[sfminou]

Yes! You have the right idea! Walk with her or without her, you are still taking care of YOU! And in the long run, she will hug you for it.
When you're depressed, it's so tough to put one foot in front of the other -- or even to put the shoe on first. The more you do it, the more you'll cherish that "you time" when you're walking.

[pixiebelle]

This is so true. With my ex, I worried his lifestyle would kill him and thus told him I'd never want kids with a father who was setting himself up to die young. I lost my dad at a young age.... It does so much to the family. I try to take care of myself so I can be around for those I live. I encourage others to do the same.