Remember the exhilaration that courses through your veins when you take flight on an airplane? How your heart thuds within your chest as you watch the world disappear beneath you, replaced by the boundless canvas of the sky? And the voice from the airplane speaker, composed but firm: “In case of an emergency, secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.”

Isn't it strange? Shouldn't we, who are so hands-on in taking care of everyone else, first help others around us? The answer, however, surprisingly but unequivocally, is no. To be in a position to assist others, we must first ensure we are able. That we are nourished, that our emotional well-being is secured. Care starts from within – care for ourselves.

The world we live in demands a lot from us. It thrives on the notion that the harder we work, the more successful we become. But you see, the relationship we have with ourselves is the most enduring one we'll ever have. We have our minds and bodies, our dreams and fears.

We are important too.

Have you ever wondered why some people are more successful than others? I once found myself pondering this very question, until I realized the secret is in the understated grace of self-care. The luminaries we respect and admire – whether it’s the leading keynote speaker at an international conference, or the winner of a world-renowned marathon – have one thing in common. They all recognize the importance of self-care.

It reminds me of a story I once heard about an athlete, a world champion who had dominated his sport for years. His winning streak was phenomenal. But on a closer look, it was not just sheer talent or relentless hard work that got him his golds. It was how the champion treated himself. He found time to meditate, allowed himself moments of solitude to rejuvenate, and made sure his body was well-fueled. His self-care didn’t detract from his success; it propelled him towards it.

Such is the power of self-care. Of understanding that just like the plants we water to help them grow, we too, need that care and attention.

Remember, even the sun – scorching fiercely in the day – retreats into itself at night. This acceptance of self-care as a crucial aspect of our journey, not a distraction, empowers us. It helps us realize our worth, helps us to reconnect with ourselves in an increasingly connected world. It’s a lesson I learned through my own journey with Success Insider, and now it's a principle I faithfully live by.

So, how can we start nurturing ourselves? Simply prioritizing time for solitude, be it in the form of a quiet walk or meditation, can go a long way. Start with small steps, gradually though, you'll see the immense impact they have on your overall wellbeing.

Life will always present challenges – that's a given. But it's how we prepare ourselves to face these trials that make the difference. It's about acknowledging your worth, taking care of yourself so that you can unlock your full potential.

Finally, let me ask you this, when was the last time you looked into the mirror and truly saw the person looking back at you? Embrace that person, for they are more important than you realize. Recognize their strength, admire their resilience, cherish their dreams.

This may sound like familiar terrain, somewhat similar to my teachings in the LMA course. But just because it's familiar, doesn't mean it's any less true. Self-care is not an indulgence, it's a necessity. Remember, you are important too.

Riches and successes can be reclaimed. But you are the only ‘you' this world has. And you, dear reader, are irreplaceable. So, take a moment to value yourself because you hold a worth that cannot be quantified. Take care, not just of others, but of yourself first. Because to love, inspire, and help every ‘other' in our world, you first need to love, inspire, and help yourself.let absolutely nothing stop this mission of self-care, for you are indeed, vitally important too.