You can't pour from an empty cup

In today's hectic world, taking care of yourself is essential because, just like the saying "you can't pour from an empty cup," you can't truly and wholeheartedly care for others or handle your responsibilities if you're not well-rested, healthy, and emotionally balanced. Prioritising self-care ensures you are your best self. It replenishes your energy and well-being, allowing you to be more present and supportive of yourself and those around you. Remember, self-care isn't selfish; it's a necessary practice to ensure you have the strength and capacity to give to others and to allow for your potential and strength to come to the surface and lead you along your path of life. I discovered the beautiful poet Suzy Kassem and the poem below struck a cord.

'Reiki is love, Love is wholeness, Wholeness is balance, Balance is well-being, well-being is freedom from disease' -Dr Mikao Usui

Metta Prayer

Metta refers to an unconditional, inclusive and wise love that exists without expectations of anything in return. This is the love that is activated using the metta prayer of loving kindness.

The Buddhist Metta (Loving-kindness) prayer is simple but profound. This prayer is traditionally done for successively wider circles of caring, starting with I and ending up with all beings.

The first round would be for yourself, then those closest to you, then those whom you feel neutral toward, then those with whom you have difficulties, and continuing outward until it includes all beings.

You can write your own Metta prayer and make it personal.
Below is a place to start from.

May I / all beings be happy, healthy and whole
May I / they have love, friendship, warmth and affection
May I / they be protected from harm, anxiety and worries May I / they be free from fear and live with lightness
May I / they be open-minded, engaged and joyful
May I / all beings enjoy inner peace and ease
May that peace expand into my / their world and throughout the entire universe

May I / they be free

APPLY WITHIN by Suzy Kassem

You once told me
You wanted to find
Yourself in the world -
And I told you to
First apply within,
To discover the world
within you.

You once told me
You wanted to save
The world from all its wars -
And I told you to
First save yourself
From the world,
And all the wars
You put yourself
Through.