Why Taking Care of Yourself is the First Step to Helping Others
In the aftermath of the storms, it’s only natural to feel the weight of everything that’s happened—both in our community and within ourselves. We’ve all been through so much. Whether it was preparing for what was coming, staying glued to the weather reports, or helping with clean-up efforts, we’ve faced a lot of stress, and that stress has taken its toll.
Many of us, especially those who are used to caring for others, feel the urge to jump right into action, to help those around us heal and recover. But there’s a truth that many of us often forget: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Give Yourself Permission to Breathe
It’s okay to pause. To take a moment for yourself. In fact, it’s necessary. The constant push to be productive, especially when life feels so chaotic, can leave us feeling drained. But know this: rest is productive, too. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
We need to remind ourselves that all the emotional and mental energy we’ve used to prepare for and survive the storms counts. Sitting through hours of worry, watching updates roll in, and constantly wondering, “What’s next?”—that was work. And it’s exhausting.
Healing Starts with You
If you feel like you need a moment to regroup, to breathe, or just to sit in silence with a cup of tea, do it. Take that time. You deserve it. And when you’ve taken the time to care for yourself, you’ll find that you’ll have more energy, more compassion, and more love to share with those around you.
If you feel up to helping someone—whether it’s by cooking a meal, lending a hand with clean-up, or just being there to listen—that’s wonderful. But if your heart and body are telling you that you need to slow down, it’s okay to honor that. Do that first.
Self-Care Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Necessity
For many of us, self-care often takes a backseat. We take care of everyone else before we even think of our own needs. But here’s the thing: self-care isn’t just bubble baths or spa days (though those are great, too!). It’s about checking in with yourself and giving yourself the grace to be human.
It’s about recognizing that sometimes, the best way to help others is by helping yourself first. It’s about remembering that you deserve the same kindness and care that you give so freely to those around you.
Moving Forward, Together
As we continue to recover, let’s support each other in every way we can. Whether it’s lending a hand or simply offering an encouraging word, every act of kindness makes a difference. But let’s also make a pact to support ourselves, too.
So today, if you need to, give yourself permission to pause. To rest. To reflect. And when you’re ready, you’ll come back even stronger, with more love and energy to give. Because healing—both for ourselves and for our community—starts from within.
