Learning how to care for yourself takes practice. For me, I find I am in balance when I work on my own health and happiness and care about others and do things for others when I am able.
Very thought provoking words. My cousin and I used to have arguments about the generosity of helping others. She said it was very unselfish to help others. I said because we get more than we give when we help others, it is actually a selfish act. Even so, I applaud the spirit of altruism.
Doing for others with no expectation of recognition is caring as I understand it in my life. If I am taking care of myself, I am healthy enough to think of others. It comes down to how each of us perceives generosity.
For me, getting to the place that I am single but not alone is a healthy way to be. I have online friends and friends at the senior center, all are blessings to me.
Keeping healthy thoughts and rejecting the depressing ones is helping me get through a sad time. It is a time for more learning and growth. I am determined not to get stuck in a negative place.
Nice little circle of how what we create begets more of what we create. Very nice thought about the impossibility of your being "single." Glad I am part of your community. :-)
Sometimes making decisions to be firm and strong are uncomfortable at first. I am seeing myself come through a difficult situation with few scars and healthy determination. I am grateful for online friends like you.
When my behavior was not connected to my brain, I was in trouble. For the past few years I have seen and felt such a difference in myself. I know how to make wiser decisions and not instantly react or become alarmed so quickly. Fear is a death sentence for me. Not putting myself in dangerous situations is part of my recovery; it is then that I am able to care about others and be of service to people.
Living a balanced life is pretty new to me, as you know, Joanna. Sometimes when I sit down and write down my thoughts, I can see in print how healthy I have become.
It seems everything is easier when we can take the focus off of ourselves and our own problems and concentrate on helping others. Glad you have these healthy thoughts.
I've always been better at caring for others, than I have myself.
ReplyDeleteLearning how to care for yourself takes practice. For me, I find I am in balance when I work on my own health and happiness and care about others and do things for others when I am able.
DeleteI think we care for others when we care for ourselves.
ReplyDeleteBoth are important, that is for sure.
DeleteVery thought provoking words. My cousin and I used to have arguments about the generosity of helping others. She said it was very unselfish to help others. I said because we get more than we give when we help others, it is actually a selfish act. Even so, I applaud the spirit of altruism.
ReplyDeleteDoing for others with no expectation of recognition is caring as I understand it in my life. If I am taking care of myself, I am healthy enough to think of others. It comes down to how each of us perceives generosity.
DeleteI like that center stanza. It's something I have to remind myself of because I tend to relish being unattached (though I'm really not at all).
ReplyDeleteFor me, getting to the place that I am single but not alone is a healthy way to be. I have online friends and friends at the senior center, all are blessings to me.
DeleteIt sounds like your Healthy Thoughts are indeed healing wounds and leading you to a very good time in your life.
ReplyDeleteKeeping healthy thoughts and rejecting the depressing ones is helping me get through a sad time. It is a time for more learning and growth. I am determined not to get stuck in a negative place.
DeleteNice little circle of how what we create begets more of what we create. Very nice thought about the impossibility of your being "single." Glad I am part of your community. :-)
ReplyDeleteSometimes making decisions to be firm and strong are uncomfortable at first. I am seeing myself come through a difficult situation with few scars and healthy determination. I am grateful for online friends like you.
DeleteI think it's both amazing and comforting to know how much our thoughts influence our behaviors and vice versa. Way to stay positive!
ReplyDeleteWhen my behavior was not connected to my brain, I was in trouble. For the past few years I have seen and felt such a difference in myself. I know how to make wiser decisions and not instantly react or become alarmed so quickly. Fear is a death sentence for me. Not putting myself in dangerous situations is part of my recovery; it is then that I am able to care about others and be of service to people.
DeleteWhen it comes to my kids, I'm selfless. Beyond that, I admit I'm pretty selfish, but right now I feel like I have to be.
ReplyDeleteWhy do so many of us think that putting our own needs high on the priority list is being selfish?
DeleteThat's good advice, CiCi. It's all about balance and being present.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo jj
Living a balanced life is pretty new to me, as you know, Joanna. Sometimes when I sit down and write down my thoughts, I can see in print how healthy I have become.
Deletesingle def does not mean you have to be alone...and having a clan to run with is a good thing....
ReplyDeleteIt seems everything is easier when we can take the focus off of ourselves and our own problems and concentrate on helping others. Glad you have these healthy thoughts.
ReplyDelete