Self-Care

Caring for yourself is not selfish but essential. The Mature Lover tends to his own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Self-care enables him to care for others. His self-care is both practical and sacred.

The Addict neglects self-care, burning himself out through excess. He gives until he's depleted, then crashes. The Hermit is so focused on others that he neglects himself completely. He martyrs himself and resents it. The Mature Lover cares for himself wisely.

Self-care includes:

Physical care: The Lover tends to his body—enough sleep, nutrition, exercise, medical care. The body is the foundation.

Emotional care: The Lover processes his emotions, seeks support when needed, and maintains emotional health. He doesn't stuff or suppress.

Spiritual care: The Lover nourishes his spiritual life through practice, community, and connection to the sacred.

Rest: The Lover allows himself enough rest and recovery. He doesn't push himself constantly. Rest is not laziness—it's essential.

Pleasure: The Lover includes healthy pleasure in his life—beauty, play, sensuality, joy. Pleasure is not frivolous—it's fuel.

Boundaries: The Lover protects his time and energy through clear boundaries. He says no so he can say yes to what matters.

Self-care is not indulgence but stewardship. The Lover cares for himself as he would care for something precious entrusted to him—because he is.

You cannot serve from an empty vessel. When the Lover cares for himself well, he can care for others without burning out. He gives from overflow rather than depletion.

The Lover who masters self-care becomes someone who can sustain his caring over time, who models healthy self-love, and who gives from fullness.