It’s only when we take care of ourselves can we take care of others. Thinking of and managing our own well being doesn’t make us selfish, it makes us responsible.

Our physical health is paramount. A sharp intellect and clear mind need a healthy body to work through. Not only do we lose out on opportunities and experiences in life if we are unwell, we add the burden of our care to those around us. Health is non negotiable.

A clear and pure mind allows us to experience the world with joy. The same world looks and feels different only because internally we have tuned ourselves differently. And even in the midst of challenges and negativity we will be able to observe goodness and experience positivity.

And a sharp intellect steers us through life. Choices and decisions not only help us, but help unlock our potential and creativity to build and serve.

But it is our spiritual strength that gives us the stamina to endure, enjoy and enrich not only our life but also the lives of others.

We buy expensive cars and take good care of them. We too are a vehicle in this world. Our physical being is the body and tyres, the mind is the engine, our intellect the steering and the petrol our spiritual capacity, the enlivening factor. If any one of them is weak, the vehicle is weak.

And this gift of a vehicle is for a purpose. To make itself available to passengers that are part of the journey. Our families, friends, people we work with and those out there in society we need to connect with and serve.

Each one of us has a responsibility and people who depend on us and we care for. And collectively we take care of each other and the world. But we can only do that effectively if we start with taking care of ourselves.