Maggie Shumpert
MA, LPC
11/2/2026
I have a framed sign in my office that says, “Self-Care Isn’t Selfish.” It’s a silly saying, but it holds so much truth. As humans (especially females), we are taught that caring for ourselves is selfish and not a good thing to do. This is so far from the truth! If we don’t remember to take care of ourselves, how can we expect to fully care for those we love?
It’s a simple concept that I am sure you’ve heard before: you can’t pour from an empty cup. What does this really mean, though? It doesn’t necessarily mean expensive massages or a day at the spa. It could simply be sitting outside on a nice day or going for a short walk by ourselves. Maybe eating lunch with a friend or simply having our favorite coffee drink. All these things cost little to no money and can make a world of difference in our daily life.
We can also focus on simple grounding techniques so that in moments of stress or when we begin to feel overwhelmed, we can find a few moments of calm and serenity to clear our minds. These techniques can include deep breathing exercises and focusing on our senses and the environment around us. Believe me, I know this is easier said than done; I get that. I’m a mom to two teen daughters and a wife and caregiver to a terminally ill husband. I’m preaching to the choir right now, but I do want to share the importance of these steps to protect your mental health.
To wrap this up, self-care isn’t a negative trait; it’s self-preservation. We must take care of ourselves to be the best version of ourselves. So, the next time you feel like a bad person for needing a few moments of alone time or for grabbing that coffee you like, just remember my sign says: “Self-Care Isn’t Selfish.”