Desiree Coleman-Fry

Desiree Coleman-Fry

Colorful image focused on self-care that reads, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It’s self-preservation." Audre Lorde

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Why Wellness Matters

As we prepare to enter 2023, focusing on mental, spiritual, emotional, physical and financial wellness is critical. Health is a key ingredient to our ability to accomplish our life’s mission. That mission could be taking care of a family, running a business, being a boss at work, supporting the community or taking care of yourself. And regardless of what it is, it’s important to remember that you can’t pour out from an empty cup. With this in mind, I’m sharing one of my favorite quotes that focuses on self-care:

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It’s self-preservation.”

Audre Lorde
person holding sunflower in a sunflower patch with the words "Self-care is for you, too."

Self-Care is for you, too.

Why Self-Care Matters

As 2023 progresses, for some, the year may not have gone as planned. Several women are surviving and managing through, but that doesn’t mean everyone is thriving. Many women have been weighed down by social isolation, racial inequities, quarantine, or the COVID-19 pandemic.  Thus, hopefully the pandemic has clarified that self-care is a must. 

So, that’s why I appreciate the words of Audre Lorde, an intersectional intellectual, who knew that prioritizing health and wellness was essential. As an activist, author and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Audre understood that long-term well-being depends on the extent to which we take care of ourselves. Self-care allows you to recharge so that you can muster courage for the most difficult of situations. Being well helps you reclaim power through joy. Wellness provides the strength needed to speak up and use your voice. In short, wellness is a superpower, so we should always remember the words of Audre Lorde.

Thus, as you think about your year, remember to prioritize self-care. You may feel that it’s a luxury, but you actually can’t afford not to take the time to care for yourself. Take the time to be well. Need a jumpstart? Check out our FREE Wellness Printable. And if you want to go even deeper, grab the Embracing Grace e-book.