"The Nuances of Self-Care and Self-Improvement"
Two of the topics we're observing in September are Self-Care Awareness and Self-Improvement. This feature article captures the benefits of related activities while explaining their stark differences. Let's address self-care first. The primary objective is to remind us that taking care of ourselves is a necessity. Many of us are accustomed to putting others’ needs ahead of our own, but it is critical to remember we cannot effectively lift others if our own vessel is somewhat sinking, or outright, neglected. Self-care is extremely personal and is accomplished across the spectrum in the physical, mental, social, and spiritual realms.
It has no boundaries and is more expansive than simply taking a walk or getting a massage, even though these activities are helpful. Actively monitoring your diet, taking mental-health days (or hours) from work, short exercise breaks during your core working hours, and even spontaneous weekend getaways, are prime examples of self-care that pushes you a step further. Remember, it is not being selfish or self-centered; self-care is focusing on your own life in lieu of exerting the bulk of your energy and attention on others. Studies have shown, the lasting benefits of routine self-care will allow you to experience a more abundant life. Here is a great article breaking down some positive attributes.
Self-Improvement on the other hand, is about personal growth and development...being intentional about making yourself better. It is usually interchangeable with self-help. In fact, experts have created an astronomical market that covers a variety of self-help and improvement related subjects. For instance, self-improvement activities range from reading more books for additional wisdom, to stretching your current abilities by learning something new via workshops, seminars, etc.
Finding a mentor or a certified coach is an ideal route to take as well. They often devise plans incorporating goals and objectives to help guide you while monitoring your achievements along the way. Strategically networking with subject matter experts provides valuable insights on how you can improve and achieve the results they may have experienced themselves. Finally, letting go of the past has proven to be highly impactful as it paves the way for hearty activities that sustain the true development you aspire. As you can see, self-care and self-improvement address different areas but promote the same richness of life.
*All original work by “Chris Jones” ©️ 2021 "Chris Jones" | Updated September 8, 2024
According to the World Health Organization, World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.
Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community. -Written by Chris Jones
"World Mental Health Day" (October 10th)
"Behind These Eyes"
Behind these eyes
are stories I rarely tell.
You see the beauty,
but not the pain.
Chapters of my life folded into silence,
tucked between sleepless nights
and mornings I somehow once again survived.
People see the smile, the bright eyes,
the red curls catching sunlight,
the woman standing…
Standing alone.
They don’t see the empty chair,
the empty spaces I live in,
or the ache that settles in beside me
when my world grows quiet.
Looking for a place to belong.
A place to feel safe.
A place to call home.
Looking for a hand that reaches back,
for someone who stays
when life becomes inconvenient.
They don’t hear the silence
after the laughter fades,
or know how heavy loneliness becomes
when you’ve carried it for years.
They don’t see me standing at the window,
watching the sun slowly disappear,
wondering if somewhere,
someone is searching too,
staring into the fading light,
trying to clear the muddled emptiness
between what is missing
and what still remains.
*All original work attributed to “Heather Stone” © 2026 “Heather Stone”.
"Who Knows Where...."
Cold, not sure which way is home.
Walking, hopefully in the right direction.
Worried, we’re not alone.
Smiling, friends are coming to save us.
Relaxed, the back seat is warm and safe.
Hoping, never going to have to do this again.
© 2015 "Samantha Cooper".