Think of an item that you own. Something that you deeply treasure. It could be a beautiful watch or a branded bag. It’s meaningful to you and you go to great lengths to make sure it lasts a lifetime.

You take good care of it. You shield it from the rain, you never let it touch the ground, you wipe it down, and you store it with care. Now, imagine this level of dedication applied to something even more important. Yourself.

It’s easy to overlook the care we give to our possessions versus the care we give to ourselves. Reflect on your body, emotions, headspace, and your consciousness. Are you offering yourself the care and consideration that you give so to your prized possessions? Do you think about the situations or environments that you put yourself in?

Like how you shield your bag on a rainy day, you need to apply that to each dimension of your wellbeing. Make sure to wipe away the metaphorical dirt and grime of the day. Do things that restore “your shine.”

Or even better, curate where you place yourself. What is it that makes your body feel good? What situations feed your spiritual wellbeing? What places make you feel connected, calm, and inspired? Be intentional about the environments and people you are immersing yourself into. Investing in being intentional can help you to thrive without much ‘maintenance.’

The next time you catch yourself caring for your bags, think about how you’re taking care of yourself. You are just as valuable, if not more. You should set yourself up to shine for a lifetime.