IS SELF-CARE JUST THE TRENDY THING TO DO?

Over the last 20+ years I have been on this pursuing-peace-chasing-joy-balance-quest-type of journey. At times, “my cup overflows” and “life to the full” sound more like “my cup I’m drowning in” and “life to the overwhelmingly full”. Ok, that is definitely an exaggeration. But in essence, life gets busy and at times overwhelming and there can be this nagging feeling that something isn’t right. I’ve read more books on the matter than I can remember, or that I’m willing to admit to. Each time I get inspired, make some lifestyle changes and think maybe now I’ve arrived. Eventually though I seem to come back to that place of uncertainty.

I began to question all the talk about wellness, self-care, mindfulness, boundaries, balance, self-love (this one is my least favorite). Could all this be a plot from spas and the beauty industry to get me to spend money and buy their products? Am I just one of many being influenced? Is this all part of the latest social media trends and fads? Think about how much money is spent on self-care related products and services! I think I could be on to something. I mean, is exercise really necessary for health, or is this also part of the conspiracy? (That one I really wish I was right about.) Consider the following statistics:

• The global self-care market is projected to reach over $1 trillion by 2027, reflecting a significant increase in consumer interest.
• GWI projects that spa revenues will recover beyond their pre-pandemic levels in 2023 and will reach $156 billion in 2027.
• In recent years, more than 50% of consumers have reported increasing their spending on self-care products and services, particularly during and after the pandemic.

Could it be that I’ve been conditioned to believe that my life is in such a mess that I need to purchase my sanity back through services and aesthetic trinkets?! Before we throw out the baby with the bath water… or should I say throw out the bath bomb with the bath water? Perhaps there is something to these stats that can tell us about something more than consumer trends.

Last year after months of dealing with eye and facial twitching, my optometrist recommended I “chill out.” I think I would rather have heard that something was medically wrong, rather than face that my body was sending me warning signals about my life choices. After experiencing a mild anxiety attack, I knew it was once again time to reevaluate life choices and attitudes.

The pressure to have everything together is real. As a person of faith, the call not to worry, or to be joyful always can induce guilt instead of the freedom that God is offering. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and everything in between. We’re forced to adapt every season, job switch, heart change, mood shift, relationship shifts and more! In one sense, we’ll never “arrive”, but we can grow and be refined along the way. The pursuit of self-care, wellness, peace and joy isn’t a sign of failure or weakness. It’s also not a plot by greedy corporate America. Well, maybe a little. It’s an ongoing, open-ended pilgrimage that has the potential to draw us nearer to our Heavenly Father who is preparing for us a room in his house. Only there will we find ultimate rest and harmony.

In the meantime, there are some books on the topic that have been particularly insightful or helpful.

• An Unhurried Life: Following Jesus’ Rhythms of Work and Rest by Alan Fadling
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer
• A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living by Emily Ley
• Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry by Ruth Haley Barton
• The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker
• Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy by Emily Ley

What about you? Any favorite book or practices that have opened your mind to different practices? Let’s continue making the necessary adjustments to fully experience the goodness and love of God.