My Unpopular Opinion About "Self-Care" (This May Make You Uncomfortable, But I Had To Say It)
Here’s the thing—this blog post was not even on my radar. I didn’t want to stir the pot. I didn’t want people to think I lacked empathy. I didn’t want to bring my “kick in the rear” attitude to my healing, holistic, wellness site.
…but I also think people need to hear this.
Today, I posted an Instagram caption that had been on my heart for a few weeks…I wrote the caption months ago BUT I could just never quite press “post.” I was worried that I would offend people or that my message would not be received in the way I intended…but today, I posted it. And within an hour I had 1,498 likes and 127 comments. Viral? Not even close. But did it resonate? HECK YES.
Fast-forward, the post became my most-liked, most shared insta post of all time. followers turned it into Pinterest pins that suddenly spread and became my most-pinned pins (say that 5 times fast). and honestly? these words give a perfect representation of what I strive for over here at the foundation blog— giving the modern woman holistic (and realistic) forms of wellness and self-care.
and PSA: If you’re one of the thousands that found this post through pinterest + the message resonated with ya on a soul level— why don’t you take a sec to explore the blog…. because i think you’ll like what ya see, *wink*. Get ready for the fun sides of self-care (face masks, journaling rituals, and nontoxic beauty— oh my!) AND the practical sides of self-care (how to save money, travel on a budget, my 6-step goal setting ritual…)
Okay, now back to the show— ya ready for a kick in the rear???? Here is the original post that kinda, sorta blew up in the best way—
“this might make you a little uncomfortable, but I need to say it…”
“This might make you a little uncomfortable, but I need to say it. The self-love movement needs a dose of self-accountability. I have hesitated to post this caption so many times because I want to make sure that my words land correctly—I 1000000% pray that you love yourself, I hope you look in the mirror and see yourself as whole, capable, beautiful. Because you ARE all of those things. Right here, right now—you are wonderful + complete.
...But when did self-love completely diminish self accountability? Self-respect? I see sooooo many women settle, take the easy route, and make excuses under the disguise of "self-love.”
Examples: I'm gonna skip my workout today because I don't feel like it. I'm going to buy myself those shoes even though I know I should save that money. I'm going to eat that brownie even though I'm already full. And the infamous “I LITERALLY cannot adult today.” This is NOT self-love. This is NOT treating yourself. In fact, little by little and small decision by small decision—this is a gradual form of settling into a downgraded version of yourself.
In my opinion, self-love is not about doing what you WANT, it's about doing what you NEED. It's not about the massages and bubble baths and fancy dinners and buying expensive new leggings (although those are wonderful!!! truly!), but to me, real self-love is about about the DAILY CHOICE to do what is best for you: scheduling a doctor’s appointment, staying on top of your finances, studying hard, moving your body, seeking meaningful relationships, connecting with nature. None of this is glamorous—but it is all necessary.
Friend, you aren't doing yourself any favors by settling for what is “comfortable.” True self-love is pushing yourself, seeking growth, learning, trying, reaching. It is the constant decision to be your best self—to respect yourself, your body, your talents. Self-love is wholeheartedly accepting yourself right now, right here. But also *knowing* that there is a more vibrant version of yourself right around the corner (it’ll just take hard work, diligence, and accountability to become her).“
a daily reminder:
I was absolutely floored by the amount of likes and comments and “finallys!” and “THANK YOUS!!!!” I received when I posted this. It was clearly something we all wrestle with in this modern day—making time for ourselves balanced with NOT making excuses for ourselves. Since this self-love versus self-accountability message clearly resonated, I wanted to make it into a graphic so that you could pin it to your Pinterest quote board, print it out for your office, make it your phone background—whatever you want! This was a message on my heart for so long, and I am so glad it landed with all of you. This world needs women who have self-care AND self-accountability, and I want this to be a little reminder for you!
(….and not too fast! There are a few extra self-care surprises below—so keep scrolling!)
self-care , self-love, habits, morning routine
okay, okay—let’s keep the self-care momentum going…
I wanted to take this one step further and create templates for you to put on your Instagram story as a way to be ACCOUNTABLE in your self-care this week! Whether that is the “fun” self-care like getting a massage or treating yourself to a new pair of leggings OR the more “adulting” self-care like scheduling a dentist appointment or meal prepping…you will LOVE these templates! I wanted to make it fun and reflective so that YOU could prioritize your favorite ways to care for yourself and set some self-care accountability goals!
1) Save the image to your camera roll.
2) Go to your Instagram story and fill out each form.
3) Be INTENTIONAL about how you fill these out and use them as a dose of accountability this week!
4) Tag me @kate.eskuri so I can cheer you on!
so, friend, how are YOU going to show yourself love this week?
I hope it is the most beautiful blend of the luxurious, “treat yo’self” moments AND the logical, diligent, adulting tasks as well. We truly do need a blend! I am always seeking to find a holistic approach to self-care…where I can give myself love, but also a kick in the pants when I need it. :)
I hope this post found you on the right day, and inspired you to take charge of both the fun and practical sides of your self-care habits.
if you liked this topic I think you will what we are doing over here at the foundation blog….
Whatever type of self-care you are needing today, you’re in luck— fun, relaxing, TLC self-care advice that i share:
and also my practical, adulting forms of self-care
Yay! I am so inspired by all of you taking charge of your self-care, your self-worth, your self-accountability…YOU GO GIRL.
ready to read more?
i have a feeling you’ll like these:
