"Take Care of Yourself Too!"
June 10, 2025
"Danny, take care of yourself too!" (see image above)
That is how a book was signed by one of my favorite authors, Ryan Holiday. The book, titled, THE DAILY DAD, reminds me of the role I fulfill as a father. His personal note reminds me the role to also care for myself.
Usually, it is moms that place themselves last in favor of the kids. Careers get put aside, dreams get ignored. Social engagements are declined. Time, there just isn't enough of it. As a father, I am highly hands on and involved in the lives of my children. Often times, making the very sacrifices that isn't typical for a father. Gender roles are vastly ignored. But, when I read THE DAILY DAD each day, I feel uplifted. I've become a better father or should I say Dad because of it. Additionally, I take care of myself, as needed.
If you're a parent or guardian or care provider or teacher - take care of yourself too. Find what that means for you and do that. For me, its reading. I love bird watching, being near water and going for walks. I journal and I have my own physical practice to challenge the body. I give myself alone time, because I love solitude. I have to make the time and so do you. We do it for a haircut, we dedicate things related to work. We say yes to every social event - yet no to just taking care of thy self. We can't possibly go on, from one thing to the next, taking care of everyone else and ignoring ourselves.
"If one sets aside time for a business appointment, a trip to the hairdresser, a social engagement, or a shopping expedition, that time is accepted as inviolable. But if one says: I cannot come because that is my hour to be alone, one is considered rude, egotistical or strange." -Anne Morrow Lindbergh