Self-Entitlement Vs. Self-Care

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

It took me a long time to understand that there’s a world of difference between self-entitlement and self-care. Like many, I fell into the trap of feeling selfish whenever I tried to prioritize my own needs and well-being. Our western culture often sends mixed messages about this, and it can be challenging to untangle the nuances.

But I’ve learned that self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, and it’s vital for operating from a place of true health and compassion.

Let me share my journey through this intricate terrain, where labels and judgments abound, and where understanding the distinction between selfishness and self-care is paramount.

The Trap of Feeling Selfish:

For the longest time, I felt like an imposter whenever I attempted to put myself first. I’d been conditioned to believe that taking care of myself was inherently selfish. The cultural narrative, driven by constant hustle and external rewards, didn’t leave much room for self-care. It was almost as if the world expected us to be selfless machines, tirelessly catering to the needs of others while neglecting our own.

The trap of feeling selfish is insidious because it often lurks in the shadows of our minds, ready to pounce at the…