09/04/2026
BLOG: September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, and honestly, I can’t think of a better time of year to be reminded to take care of ourselves.
September can be a lot. Summer is winding down, the kids are heading back to school, routines are changing, schedules are filling up, and before we know it, we’re preparing for the High Holy Days. There are meals to plan, services to attend, family to coordinate, school lunches to pack, work to juggle, and somewhere in the middle of all of it, we’re expected to pause and reflect.
Sometimes, it can feel overwhelming. And perhaps that’s exactly why the timing of the High Holy Days is so meaningful.
The month of Tishrei invites us to slow down and look inward. We reflect on the year that has passed, think about where we want to grow, ask for forgiveness, offer forgiveness, and consider the person we want to be in the year ahead.
But while we’re busy taking stock of our lives, we shouldn’t forget to take stock of ourselves. Self-care isn’t selfish. Sometimes self-care is as simple as saying no when our plate is already full. It might be taking a walk, getting enough sleep, sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, spending time with someone who makes us laugh, or simply giving ourselves permission to breathe.
Judaism reminds us that caring for ourselves matters, too. We are taught pikuach nefesh; the importance of protecting and preserving life. And caring for our emotional, mental and physical well-being is part of that responsibility.
So as we enter this busy and meaningful month, perhaps we can make a little room on our to-do lists for us. Before we rush from school drop-offs to work, from holiday preparations to services, let's remember to pause.
Take a breath.
Be gentle with yourself.
And remember that you don't have to do everything, be everything, or have everything figured out.
As we prepare for a new year, may we give ourselves the same compassion, patience and kindness that we so freely offer to others.
May this be a year of health, peace, renewal and a little more time to take care of ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom,❤️
Kim Fluxgold
www.youareenough712.wordpress.com