I’m assuming that you know the importance of taking care of your valuables, possessions, or even (pet) family members.

Here’s another more important question. Why do you do these things? Is it because you love taking a field trip to your local Dry Cleaning Depot? Do you get a thrill out of being ripped off at the car dealership? Do you absolutely drool at the chance to shell out hundreds of dollars for Fluffy to get a hair cut? Is it because buying a screen protector gives you yet another opportunity to go on an Amazon.com shopping spree? While all of these explanations are plausible, the real answer is fairly simple.

You understand what happens if you don’t take care of your stuff.

• You understand that driving a car and not getting regular oil changes can damage your car.
• You understand that if your $1,200 phone drops without a case or screen protector there’s a chance the screen may shatter or the phone may break.
• You understand that washing a “dry clean only” outfit can ruin it.
• You understand that the only way to keep your shoes/purse in good shape is to occasionally buff/wipe them down.
• You understand that regular car detailing can keep your car looking brand new as opposed to “lived in.”

Now the reality is that in order to do all of these things it requires you to spend money—spend money on maintenance, dry cleaning, phone cases and screen protectors, shoe polish and the like.

So if you understand all of that, and consistently pay out for these services, then why do you so frequently fail to engage in self-care, or regular maintenance, of YOURSELF?

Let’s get one thing straight? You want to know what can be replaced?

Your car.

Your phone.

Your shoes.

Your purse.

Your laptop.

Your outfit.

You want to know what cannot be replaced?

YOU.

Read that again. YOU, whoever you are reading this, can NOT be replaced. If you die today, your family, friends or loved ones will not be able to walk into their local Walmart and grab another carbon copy of you. Once you’re dead, that’s it.

• If you’re a dead parent then your kids no longer have access to you.

• If you’re a dead doctor then your patients will have to be transferred.

• If you’re a dead employee your boss will replace you before your body gets cold.

• If you’re a dead clergy member your church may have 2-3 more people ready and willing to take your place.

• If you’re a dead therapist your clients will be googling another therapist in their area.

• If you’re a dead spouse your partner will have to get used to doing life alone.

If you forget everything else you’ve read in this blog post, don’t forget this point:

Inaction in the realm of self-care is action in the realm of self-sabotage.

There are many reasons why you may fail to engage in self-care.

• Maybe you never saw your parents engage in self-care.

• Maybe you were taught that being “productive” is the only good.

• Maybe you believe that you’ll always have time for self-care later.

• Maybe you think it is your job to look out for everyone else and consequently neglect yourself.

• Maybe deep down inside you believe you’re worthless; accordingly, self-care seems unnecessary.