What are your non-negotiables?

In an interview in the latest issue of Real Simple magazine, Dr. Pooja Lakshmin makes the distinction between self-care and caring for one’s self. She says that “self-care’ sounds like a burden and “caring for one’s self” sound like something you want to do. Also, in recent years self-care has come to mean bubble baths, meditation, massages, etc. Caring for one’s self can be these plus setting boundaries, eating healthy, saying “no,” etc. I learned many years ago that saying “no” is a full sentence. Also, I learned that if you know your values and purpose, it is easier to say “no” to the asks that don’t align. This is something I have tried to live by these last few years. Dr. Lakshmin makes the case that setting boundaries is the most important aspect of caring for one’s self (video). And in my opinion, she would be right. Time is our most precious commodity, and we should protect is as such. Family time, partner time and “me time” should be non-negotiable no matter what is asked of you. What are your non negotiables?

Mine are…

1.    Regular Exercise

2.   Getting enough sleep each night

3.    Twice monthly Rotary Club meeting

4.   Pottery class/time

5.    Meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking meals (and occasionally baking)

Real Self Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin