by Don Hall

Let’s cut the crap about self-care. Forget the spa days, the bubble baths, and the curated Instagram posts that make “treat yourself” look like a moral imperative. Self-care is not about pampering; it’s about survival. It’s not soft—it’s a battle strategy. And in a world that demands too much and gives too little, it’s the only way to stay in the fight.

Here’s the truth: no one’s going to save you. The cavalry isn’t coming, the universe doesn’t owe you a break, and the grind will eat you alive if you let it. The world will wring you out like a dishrag, then act surprised when you snap. That’s why self-care isn’t indulgence—it’s rebellion. It’s looking at a system designed to exhaust you and saying, “Not today, pal.”

Now, don’t mistake this for some Pinterest-ready manifesto. Self-care is messy. It’s not always pretty, and it sure as hell isn’t convenient. Sometimes it’s turning off your phone and disappointing people who want your time. Sometimes it’s forcing yourself out of bed when your brain is screaming to stay under the covers. Sometimes it’s eating that salad instead of the pizza, even when every part of you craves cheese and grease.

And here’s the kicker: self-care isn’t just about you. It’s about the people you love, the work you do, and the impact you want to have on the world. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right? Well, you also can’t create, connect, or inspire when you’re running on fumes. Taking care of yourself is how you show up for everything and everyone else.

But let’s not romanticize it, either. Self-care is work. It’s not a magical cure for burnout or a shortcut to happiness. It’s a daily grind of making choices that aren’t always fun but are necessary. It’s prioritizing rest over hustle, growth over comfort, and sustainability over instant gratification.

The biggest myth about self-care is that it’s selfish. It’s not. Selfishness is hoarding your energy and resources for yourself. Self-care is managing those resources wisely so you can share them without depleting yourself. It’s not locking the door to keep everyone out; it’s building a foundation strong enough to let people in.

And here’s the uncomfortable part: self-care isn’t always what you want to do—it’s what you need to do. Sometimes it’s calling out sick when you’re exhausted. Sometimes it’s confronting your demons in therapy. Sometimes it’s saying “no” to the friend who always takes and never gives.

Self-care is not a luxury, a trend, or a hashtag. It’s a lifeline. It’s the armor you wear when the world feels too sharp, the fuel that keeps you going when the road is long, and the signal flare you send up to say, “I’m still here.”

So, yeah, buy the scented candles if they make you happy. But don’t mistake them for the real work. Self-care is the gritty, unglamorous fight to be whole in a world that thrives on breaking you. Fight it. Win. Repeat.