Views:606 | By: Becky | Act: Visit Business My mother always said to me that Charity begins at home. As a child, I often associated the word charity with my grandmother. So it was not easy to understand why she began at home but as I grew up I gained more understanding that I had a responsibility to help those within our reach. We had to be our neighbor's keepers. But as time went by I learned that it also meant that I had a responsibility towards myself. If I supported all those around me and forgot to take care of myself, I would not be able to achieve a lot. If I was worn out it would mean those in my care would receive nothing in my absence.
This simply put meant that we all have a duty to each other but as we care for each other we have to be a priority to ourselves. As I grew up I learned that majority of our lives we take up roles that describe who we are. As a woman, I have the role of daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend. Each role outline who I am to others rather than to myself. Society has created the concept of selfishness. As life continues the society chooses how and when we should react and work. In the process, many have forgotten about their duty to themselves. Family setup has enlisted ideas on who we are and when members choose different paths they find judgment and enmity associated with it.
Self-love and self-care are not acts of selfishness but self-preservation. To be able to take care of oneself we gain the ability to instill joy and positivity. True, self-love and self-care are individually based but a happy mother raises happy children. As we care for ourselves we instill care in those amongst us. Remember, Self-love is not selfish; you cannot truly love another until you know how to love yourself. So take a moment and remember I have a duty to I.