Self-Care Is Stewardship: Why Massage Is Only One Part of Healing
- Ann Riesberg
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Selfcare is not selfish. Parker Palmer once said, “ Self-care is never a selfish act it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give it the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 “ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
I struggle with self-care. It’s not something I naturally prioritize because my focus is always on making sure my family has everything they need to be happy and healthy. But over time, I’ve realized this way of thinking is detrimental to my own well-being.
I don’t see massage as a luxury. Massage is healing for my body—it gives me rest, supports recovery during sickness, and helps my body recover from workouts. It relaxes the mind and eases muscle tension in ways that allow me to truly reset.
Self-care is more than massage. It includes mental, physical, and spiritual health. Imagine a tree with plenty of water but no sunlight. That tree may survive, but it will never fully thrive. Its leaves won’t grow big or vibrant because it’s missing a vital element.
Our bodies, minds, and spirits work the same way. We can stay busy, exercise, and keep pushing forward, but without proper rest and relaxation, all that energy has nowhere to go. Eventually, we become depleted instead of renewed.
As we care for our health, we must remember to care for ourselves, too—because when we do, we’re able to give even more to the people we love.
At Active Edge Massage, we believe self-care is an essential part of whole-body wellness—supporting physical recovery, mental clarity, and spiritual rest. Whether you’re managing stress, recovering from workouts, or simply needing time to reset, therapeutic massage can play a meaningful role in your self-care routine. If you’re ready to care for your body so you can continue caring for others, reach out to Active Edge Massage in Urbandale
to schedule a session and begin restoring balance in a way that supports your overall well-being.