Last week I attended an open mic where I read the poem “What She Said” that starts off Left of the Dial.
The host started the evening by quoting Audre Lorde on self-care:
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
Self-care–in whatever healthy form it takes–is an act of love and healing. That’s why fashion and beauty aren’t frivolous pursuits.
I ask you: without self-care how can a person really feel and look their best? In this regard it’s imperative that each of us treats ourselves and the people we meet with kindness and compassion.
At the open mic I was witness to stories of tragedy and the overcoming of tragedy.
Ashley Smith, a fellow blogger, has alluded to the idea that we’re all in recovery, from whatever it is we’re in recovery from.
A breakdown; an illness; a diagnosis; an attack–all these can be a traumatic event.
Though I’ve only been 52 for two weeks I suddenly have zero tolerance for the hate, violence, and killing in the world.
I want to talk about this now because when you hit your fifties you’re faced with a choice: continue on the same path (that might include having negative thoughts or unhealthy behaviors)–or choose empowerment through having empathy for yourself and others.
You can’t afford to go down a path of ill health when you’re in your fifties. Now is the time to intensify your efforts at self-care.
If you’ve suffered a trauma–be it a mental health challenge or something else–please be good to yourself. You can’t blame yourself. Self-care is a necessity not a luxury.
There can be no shame and guilt involved in having a diagnosis. There can be no fear of reprisal when you choose how you want to live your life.
I bought a silver necklace that spells out: CHOOSE LOVE.
That’s the message I want to spread in the blog now:
Choose Love.
Left of the Dial 