Self-awareness, Self-indulgence and Self-care

Paul Bishop

MA, LPC, LPC/S

4/7/2025

Sometimes we can get confused.  Sometimes, we feel selfish when caring for ourselves.  Other times, we tell ourselves how much we deserve and that it’s time we take care of ourselves. Perhaps we will go overboard and indulge in activities that are self-defeating in the end.  Self-awareness is good both according to psychology and God’s Word. God loves “honesty in the inner person,” as David said in Psalm 51:6.  Self-indulgence can come at the expense of self-control and may include harm to self or others or disobedience to God under the guise of something “we deserve.”  Self-care is taking care of our mental, physical, and spiritual health.  It can be as simple as a relaxing bath, massage, or connecting with safe and encouraging individuals.  It never harms us but helps us. It builds us up and brings us to a better place. When I care for myself, as Jesus took time to do when He napped on the boat or met the Father early in the morning, it helps me be a better version of what God created me to be!  Self-care is not selfish. It is being a good steward of the mind and body God gave you!