For it is in giving that we receive. — Saint Francis of Assisi
Giving back is as good for you as it is for those you are helping, because giving gives you purpose. When you have a purpose-driven life, you’re a happier person — Goldie Hawn
Recently I tuned into an online panel of helping professionals discussing the impact of COVID-19 on grief and bereavement*. One of the panelists asked another what she is doing to take care of herself while being stretched thin between family concerns and professional responsibilities. After a brief and poignant pause, she responded that, for her, a big part of self-care is living out her life purpose of helping others, from which she derived a great deal of satisfaction and energy. Her words really resonated! I too experience tremendous joy and fulfillment in service to others whether through my writing, teaching, mentoring, or listening. In fact, my life would feel pretty shallow and meaningless otherwise!
Granted, there are other things I must do to nurture body and spirit apart from helping others. But when I enlarge the meaning of self-care to include giving, I’m less likely to think I must add one more activity to the self-care to-do list.
Warm regards,
Rebecca S. Hauder, RN, LCPC