Meaning

Men and Self-Care

By March 9, 2021 No Comments

The topic of self-care is an interesting one. How do you define it?

For some, self-care might be a round of golf or a massage. I can accept that any act that enhances one’s health and well-being is an act of self-care. However, I’m wondering if we might be looking at this in too narrow a scope.

Perhaps a lifetime focused on achievement, wealth-building, and climbing the ladder to whatever height possible has left our thinking stunted and immature.

I’ve started to think about some big core issues. Beginning with stripping away the facades I’ve erected around me as an advisor, business owner, employer, colleague, and mentor.

To continue the excavation, I started thinking about who I am beyond those roles, as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Who the HELL am I when the roles are stripped away? What’s left when looking at the root, core, base of me—beyond my service to others?

The question gnaws at me because I honestly don’t know. I scratch one surface looking for a good pathway, then look elsewhere.

Will the answer ever become clear? No idea, but I hope so.

Is this self-care? To me, searching for real answers to big questions is indeed part of owning myself, just as important as healthful pursuits and responsible behavior. I think that’s called self-mastery.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on your journey, what you’ve learned and how you’re doing.