Self-care has become a popular mantra. We’re often reminded that to care for others effectively, we must first care for ourselves. “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” the saying goes, tending to our own wellbeing ensures we can show up fully for those who depend on us.
That’s all true and important. But can self-care ever go too far?
Sometimes, in our effort to establish healthy boundaries, we learn to “say no” to protect our sanity. But what if, in doing so, we turn away from an opportunity to truly help another person in genuine need?
This week we learn about Noah, who was commanded by G-d to build an ark to save himself and his family from the great flood that would destroy a corrupt world. Noah obeyed and worked tirelessly for 120 years on this monumental project. The lengthy construction period, our sages explain, was meant to give him time to inspire others to change their ways so they too could be spared.
Yet, when the flood finally came, not a single person outside Noah’s family joined him in the ark.
Noah was righteous, but his righteousness was limited to himself. As long as he and his family were safe, that was enough. In a sense, Noah took self-care a bit too far.
Judaism teaches that our own wellbeing cannot exist in isolation. The physical and spiritual wellbeing of others must be our concern too. Caring for ourselves should never come at the expense of caring for others, rather, it should empower us to extend ourselves beyond what’s comfortable, to reach out and lift others up.
In our quest to build an ark of safety, peace, and growth for ourselves, let’s make sure that our “ark”, our homes, our workplaces, and our lives, become spaces that bring warmth, inspiration, and light to those around us.