In a fast-paced world with rare space for introspection and pause, self care seemed out of reach for many, myself included. Now with days on end to pause, breathe, and rest, I’m looking for ways to detach from the craziness around me in order to foster peace within myself.
Self-care is perhaps the best way to do this. Of course, self-care doesn’t always mean putting on a face mask (though social media often makes it seem that way). Self-care can be anything which allows us to slow down and get in touch with ourselves.
Whatever brings us rest, joy, inspiration — that is self-care. And if it happens to be a face mask, fantastic! If not, equally fantastic. Regardless of what method we choose or why, self-care has the power to keep us rooted, to make us the best possible versions of ourselves, and to restore and grow us so that we may be able to intentionally show up for those around us.
Below you’ll find a collection of encouraging and insightful quotes about self-care (as well as some on responding to difficulty in life with the grace and resilience which stems from self-care) to inspire you to embark on this journey of self-love:
“Self-care is how you take your power back.” -Lalah Delia, spiritual writer & wellness educator
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” -Eleanor Brown, novelist
“I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art.” -Madonna
“Life should be touched, not strangled. You’ve got to relax. Let it happen at times, and at others move forward with it.” -Ray Bradbury
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” -Jack Kornfield, author & Buddhist teacher
“It is so important to take time for yourself and find clarity. The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.” -Diane von Fürstenberg
“Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world.” -Pema Chödrön, Buddhist nun
“To experience peace does not mean that your life is always blissful. It means that you are capable of tapping into a blissful state of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life.” -Jill Bolte Taylor, author & neuroanatomist
“The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.” -Steve Maraboli, author & speaker
“There is enough time for self-care. There is not enough time to make up for the life you’ll miss by not filling yourself up.” -Jennifer Williamson, American politician
“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” -Anna Quindlen, author & journalist
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” -Mahatma Gandhi
“Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them.” -Kristi Ling, author
“Stepping out of the busyness, stopping our endless pursuit of getting somewhere else, is perhaps the most beautiful offering we can make to our spirit.” -Tara Brach, author, clinical psychologist, & meditation teacher
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” -Buddha
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” -Maya Angelou
“Harmony begins within. If we are to influence the world around us, even in minor ways, the real work begins inside and emanates outwards.” -Gudjon Bergmann, author
“Taking care of myself doesn’t mean ‘me first.’ It means ‘me, too’.” -L.R. Knost, author
“Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.” -Parker Palmer, author & activist
“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” -Dolly Parton
What are your favorite quotes about self-care and self-love?
wishmoi says
“Strong people alone know how to organize their suffering so as to bear only the more necessary pain”