Collaboration at the Root of Self-Care

By Linda Michelle Trainer

It has been said that one of the most difficult tasks women have is learning how to practice self-love. It has also been said that self-care is self-love. Women are often experts at loving and taking care of what needs to be tended to around us, things outside of us and often neglecting ourselves until we are completely depleted of any and every form of strength or desire to continue forward. Or worse yet, until we are flat on our backs, looking up in dismay.

One definition of self-care is an activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional and physical health. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It is also key to good relationships with oneself and others. When considering collaboration in self-care, I realize that self-care goes beyond just me, myself and I, but it is rooted in the essence of my life – in the Spirit inside me from which I live, move, and embody my very being.

It is vital to know at the root of self-care is a connection to our relationship with the Life Force inside of us, Jesus Christ. 

Just as a car cannot operate properly without the engine and instruments that work in tandem to become the essence of the car, neither can we, as human vessels, function without the Life Essence of the Creator of Creation.

The Bible states that God is Love. I have come to know (even beyond my knowing) that it is the Love of God for me that enables me to do all that I desire to do; to recognize when I need to rest, as well as knowing when I need to work. It is that same steady stream of God’s love which strengthens me to care for others around me. 

I heard a quote that said “His name is Jesus – He is happening all over the World. The roar of victory in Him is big in my spirit. Together we will do everything He has assigned us to do.” (Ken Copeland)

Regardless of your religious background, spirituality is about a relationship rather than customs and habits. Similar to the GPS – Global Positioning Satellite Systems installed in our cell phones, cars, and watches that helps us to know where we are going and how to get there, your spiritual GPS – “God’s Power System”  is more than capable of directing and protecting your journey. It is activated by faith and implementing God’s Word. It begins with acknowledgement of His presence and acceptance of His gifts of supply in every need. 

It is absolutely vital that you “fill your cup” so that you will be able to meet the needs of your responsibilities, while simultaneously sustaining your energy and focus to take care of yourself.

That can be accomplished by connecting to and collaborating with the Creator of Creation – the Life Force inside of you. John 15, the Passion Translations says, “I Am a true sprouting vine and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father. He cares for the branches connected to Me by lifting and propping up the fruitless branches…….. to yield a great harvest.…As you live in union with Me as your Source, fruitfulness will stream from within you, but when you live separate from Me you are powerless.”

​…So you must remain in life-union with Me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to Mine.”
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Your well-being is the prerequisite for the well-being of those around you. How much wiser is it to collaborate and remain connected to the Life-Source where our fruitfulness will stream from and through us? 

There can be no self-care without collaboration. Herein is found the most priceless of all sustaining collaborations. Stay connected to the Vine, precious one, and be fruitful in your self-care.