What will happen to me as I age? Who will care for me? How can I not be a burden to others? How can I get the most out of my life each day?

It is our personal responsibility to love and care for ourselves. As we love and care for ourselves, we gracefully reciprocate to others. Our human society is interdependent and as humans, we cannot live and act in isolation. Healthy and complementary relationships help us thrive and enhance the quality of our lives. Life circumstances are unpredictable, and we never know when we may need the support of others or be in a position to give support to others. Caregiving can be stressful due to emotional, mental, and physical srain. If we complain and regard ourselves as a burden, it causes difficulty and hardship. If we are neglectful of our own self-care, we set up a challenge for those who have to care for us in the event we cannot care for ourselves.

Within the realm of our capacity to care for ourselves, it is essential to practice a healthy lifestyle to maximize personal well-being throughout our lives. This means reframing from destructive habits detrimental to our physical well-being, changing negative self-defeating thoughts that inhibit quality living and managing our emotions to maintain satisfying relationships. As we age, it is hoped that we become wiser and more thoughtful of ourselves and others.

When we are compassionate, considerate, and cultivate loving qualities, we become beautiful people to to aaround. Whether we are the giver or receiver of support, we must take care of ourselves in order to take care of others. Loving and caring for ourselves are mutually reciprocal and complimentary acts achieved by: Being healthy, peaceful, generous, and grateful for challenges. Dr. Jean Marie highlights each.

Our 'Love In Action' Practice is to focus on being your personal best to get the most out of life each day. Reflect on how you nurture and nourish your overall well-being. Examine each aspect of yourself including physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. Journal on things you would like to do and take action steps for each.

Email insights and experiences: jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie concludes the episode with her excerpts on 'Self-Comfort' and 'Self-Talk'.

LOVING AND CARING FOR OURSELVES IS LOVING AND CARING FOR OTHERS