Posted on January 16, 2025

How often do we show up for our friends, family, or someone in need of assistance?

It’s easy to help others, isn’t it? A friend once came to my house to help me clean. They said, “It’s easy to show up and help you, but when it comes to my house, I just don’t have it in me—it’s such a struggle!”

This is a common struggle in life: we’re quick to help others but often neglect ourselves.

As a salon professional, I’ve heard countless stories from people in my chair about this very thing. We give so much to others but rarely to ourselves. Why is that? By nature, we offer ourselves to others, but not to “me.”

“Me” is a question I ask myself all the time. Remember the blog about friendship, where we talked about being available for others? Why not “me”? How about being a friend to yourself?

Showing up for yourself is vital. It’s like the instructions on an airplane—put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.

When you wake up in the morning, do you think about how blessed you are to have had a place to rest? Do you savor that first sip of tea or coffee with gratitude?

Sometimes, I need to quiet the noise in my mind and reset. Even after a couple of sips of coffee, I realize I’m already focusing on tasks for others instead of showing up for myself. But I’ve learned that moving my own “rock” first helps me build a wall of love for myself—and only then can I build a wall of hope for others.

The Power of Gratitude

Meditating on gratitude for what we have is key to self-love and appreciating our blessings. Think about it: in a world filled with so much suffering—homelessness, natural disasters like the LA fires, the war in Ukraine—we all face struggles of our own.

So why not start the day with gratitude? When I lay my head down to rest at night, I want to give thanks for the chance to move a rock for myself and for others.

Think of moving a rock as a metaphor. When you pick up a rock and carry it, you’re putting effort into yourself. With each rock you move, you can watch your wall grow—and with it, your sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

One Step at a Time

This might sound overwhelming. But remember, the saying is: take it one step at a time. Start by moving one rock today. That’s all it takes.

Reflect on everything you’ve accomplished so far. When you went to school, each passing year brought more knowledge and wisdom. Now it’s time to grow in wisdom, love yourself, love others, and cherish what you’re blessed to do and have.

Self-Worth and Balance

Meditating on self-worth and gratitude for life’s beauty can help you build the wall you desire. It’s the foundation for creating hope for yourself and others. When your mental and physical health are in balance, you’re better equipped to move through life with purpose and joy.

Thank You for Visiting

Live well. God bless you, and thank you for visiting the planet.

When I say “the planet,” I’m not only referring to this webpage—which I’m so grateful you’ve visited—but also the world we live in. There’s so much to see and do that can inspire and enrich your life. Take the time to look and listen.

Live well. God bless you.

By Cosmo Easterly, 2025