🐼 Be kind to yourself
Because others might not be.
It’s 12.16 PM. Yeah, past noon. On a Sunday
And I’m yet to be in the zone. Haven’t been feeling particularly energetic since morning.
A call made me get up, eyes wide…
Wasn’t expecting this today. It’s a festive Sunday here. Everyone’s busy with Chhath, a festival related to Sun God.
Yet, I received the call. A book mail had arrived. *happy dance*
Next, I did what bookstagrammers do. Made an unpacking Reel.
It’s not so much about the Reel but holding the books. So, I had to get it done right away
Now, I feel awake. So, I’m writing. Not sure what even.
So far, I have spent my day watching YouTube, judging my life choices, and making random what-if scenarios.
Reminds me of the book I finished reading recently.
Wait, let me copy something from my review.
We live our life wishing what if I took the other path. Dark Matter is what happens when you get to choose. [...] The truth is life is meant to live the way it flows. Cheating the system is harming everyone you love.
Although it was a sci-fi thriller, it was also about life. It was about choices.
Every moment, every breath, contains a choice. Sometimes, we make a choice not so consciously. But it’s still ours. And we live with them, good or bad.
I think about my what-ifs even.
Though, when I go deep, I realise I don’t want my life to change if given a chance. It has been good, whatever it has been.
The first time I realised so was last year, I guess. It was during a podcast recording (will share the link, don’t worry) when I said I’m happy with however things are.
I also recall mentioning something about being selfish. Kundan, the podcast host, rephrased it as self-love, though. But I doubt it’s self-love.
I don't feel I love myself enough. I am not my favourite, to be honest.
Yes, I love my life, I love what I do. But loving thy self. Not so sure. So, being selfish makes better sense.
I love being in my space. Lately, I am growing recluse. I’ve stopped caring about a lot of things.
Not everything. But many. The temperature-o-meter isn’t at the same warmth as a year ago.
Maybe, there’s an upper limit after which you just don’t care… after which you’re all you.
And that should be fine, right?
You need to have your down moments. You can say no to requests. Why should you always be kind? You don’t have to, at least not at your cost.
You can't see your mental health always. Be selfish to your needs.
The inspiration for this quote goes to my friend Esha.
She shared a motivational post: “You can't see people's mental health. Be kind always.” And I was like: No, don’t be. In the spur of the moment, that quote was born.
It was a pretty demotivating thought, no?
I can be a professional demotivator if the need be. I had this idea a few years ago, to pursue that. Didn’t feel enough motivation. *pun intended*
Let it be.
Now, here’s some reality check:
Not everyone thinks of their mental health. People aren’t selfish enough to love themselves first.
In this world full of motivational influencers (or whatever they’re called), we are too busy being kind to people… and showing that off.
Did I hit a nerve there?
Well, you can help everyone if you want. I don’t mind. No one minds if you’re being helpful.
But… do it only when you’re done helping yourselves. Be kind to yourself, to be kind to them.
Maybe consider yourself a portable power bank, you know. Recharge yourself to charge others. And that too, you can’t do forever.
So, help people. Have fun. As much as you want. But take care of yourself first. Be selfish (or have self-love, whatever).
And let me go back to sleep.
Bidding adieu.
Live long and prosper.
See you next week, with another story.
PS… This is the podcast recording (from last year) I mentioned above.