If someone asked you if self-care is harmful? What Would You Say?

If someone would have asked me if self-care is harmful? I would say no.

But after watching Psych2Go video on Self-Coddling, then yes.

It's great to give yourself time to pamper yourself to feel satisfied, refreshed or recharged. 

However, if it gets to the point where you’re avoiding your problems instead of taking care of them, it's coddling. 

I’ve been doing this for a long time without even realizing it.

In the early stages of my Spiritual/Witchcraft journey, self-care wasn't on my radar. My focus was more on the craft and its tools than on my well-being. Particularly during a period when I realized the people around me wouldn't comprehend my interests, given they deviated significantly from the norm. Thus, being a closeted witch became my only option. However, this proved challenging, especially when aspects of my practice were discovered, leading to reprimands. Long story short, I've become adept at concealing my belongings and am planning to leave this environment soon.

Returning to the topic, I sought out books related to self-care and, after reading them, observed online self-care routines and explored products in stores. This led me to develop my own routine, although I admittedly wavered in consistency. Treating myself felt good, seamlessly blending it into my daily routine to avoid detection. However, when problems persisted, I fell into habits that were counterproductive.

It wasn't apparent that I was avoiding problems, steering clear even when addressing them gently. I remained within my comfort zone, seeking divine assistance and favors from the universe out of fear. I failed to delve into the holistic meaning of self-care, encompassing not only the body but also the mind, spirit, and overall wellness, including the mundane aspects of day-to-day life.

The extent of coddling I've subjected myself to became evident, and frankly, it's a disservice to continue this habit. As we enter the new year under the full moon in Cancer, I've decided to recalibrate my approach to self-care. Step by step, I aim to handle my problems with care and compassion, recognizing the importance of addressing them rather than avoiding them.

You can watch Psych2Go video here to better understanding: https://youtu.be/3j9Y29PzjHo?si=kcT_pUJDUlF5n-Hl