The friends who have witnessed my children's firsts alongside me, or been on the other end of the line when I had to call and gush or I had to call and cry, those are friends who have walked with me through some of the most significant moments of my life. 

I once saw self-care akin to self-indulgence, but now I see it as meeting my needs for the purpose of fulfilling my responsibilities. Rather than asking “What do I do for myself that I enjoy?” I ask “What will help me best meet the demands of my day?” This shift in perspective allows me to measure my own legitimate needs against my ability to address the legitimate needs in those I love.