Dare to Care

Is it just me or do you too find that it is easier to help others than help ourselves, causing us to neglect our most basic needs?

For years I have been this person… Making sure that those around me are being taken care of.  One example, I was a Resident Advisor for four years.

I spent nights awake to ensure that they made it back safe and often times found myself in conversations regarding their past.  Amidst studying for organic chemistry, I spent countless hours planning for programs and helping my residents pick out classes for the following semester. 

Then I made the big move to Uganda where I have invested a lot of my time into having conversations with the youth and other community members.  This is where I felt most viable in my work. 

These are the moments where I have heard some of the most inspirational and uplifting stories.

These are the moments where I have heard some of the most heartbreaking and gut-wrenching stories. 

These are the moments where I have opened my heart and quite frankly have experienced a lot of personal growth and development.

These are the moments that have the most emotional toll on myself.

Since moving to Kampala for my extension, I have found these stories plentiful.  

Along with these stories come plenty of accompanying programs to help strengthen the self-esteem and well being of these individuals, which means I am busy. 

Everyday.

Typically I am at In Movement Monday through Friday, developing program materials, finalizing upcoming camps, and working on social media updates.  Saturday I spend all day at the organization, coordinating the Youth Leadership Summit, partnering with some of the Breakdance Project Uganda members for photography and visual art classes, and soon to be supporting our day art camps for paying youth.  Come Sunday, I usually show up at around midday to visit with some of my youth and if the caffeine from my morning coffee has kicked in, will partake in dance class.

I have quickly realized that this leaves minimal Tara time.

Oh hey there self-care.  You are most welcome.

It is so important people… To take a day to reenergize.  Whether one does this through working out with Shaun T, binge watching Hawaii Five-O, making hummus, or doing all three, it is a huge component of keeping our emotional state in check.

I love the youth.  I love my youth.  I love their stories and willingness to be open. 

I love that they call me, even when it is 33 times in an hour, just to say goodnight.  I am excited for their future and to see them be the change of their country. 

But I also need to recognize that I need my time to digest everything and make sure I get proper closure as this experience is quickly winding down.

Which is exactly what I did yesterday.

I spent the day at home.  I  worked out with Shaun T.  I watched three episodes of Hawaii Five-O.  I finished eating the hummus I made. 

It was glorious. 

Do the same.

Dare to care.

Something to remember thanks to Tony Gaskins, “Everybody needs you but you need you first.  Don’t help everyone else and neglect yourself.  Love your neighbor as you love yourself, not instead of yourself.”