self·ish: concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself: seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

self·full (or "full-self"): focused on remembering who you really are, intentionally creating mind/body/spirit well-being with regard to love as a healing force for you and others (Susan Tate)

For decades, I believed that putting myself first was wrong, even sinful, and clearly fell within the realm of being selfish. I spent decades putting everyone else first and caring for myself whenever I got around to it. As a young mother, this often led to me getting sick or having accidents so that (and this was truly sub-conscious) others would take care of me. I did the best I could at the time, so I'm not beating myself up as I reflect. Speaking now as a grandmother: practicing self-love and self-care is not selfish, it's being self-full.

Please nurture yourself by creating time to read this selection of quotes on the topic of self-loving care. Then choose your favorite to inspire you to take one action step today. And then another step tomorrow.

"What would it feel like if you treated yourself the way you would care for a small child entrusted to your care?"

~Susan Tate

"I finally realized that being grateful to my body was key to giving more love to myself."

~Oprah Winfrey

"It is not selfish to be happy. It is your highest purpose. Your joy is the greatest contribution you can make to life on this planet. A heart at peace with its owner blesses everyone it touches."

~Alan Cohen

"To choose love tells the world that you practice self-love, that you believe in love and that you trust in the power of love . . . As a practice, make the choice of self-love on a moment to moment basis."

~Debbie Rosas & Carlos AyaRosas