You light the candle.
You cancel the plan.
You order in, stay in, sleep in.
You tell yourself: I’m taking care of me.
And maybe you are.
But then it becomes the default.
The way out.
The way you avoid challenge, discomfort, or growth.
And slowly, your rituals start protecting you
from the very thing you’re supposed to be healing toward.
There’s a thin line.
Self-care is restoration.
Self-indulgence is resistance.
Self-care says:
I’m recharging so I can return stronger.
Self-indulgence says:
I deserve this — even if it costs me clarity.
Self-care tends to your needs.
Self-indulgence tries to silence them.
Self-care strengthens you.
Self-indulgence can slowly sedate you.
You say:
- “I needed this day off.”
- “I’m choosing softness.”
- “I’m protecting my peace.”
And maybe you are.
But ask:
- Am I nurturing myself — or avoiding effort?
- Am I choosing rest — or hiding inside it?
- Am I more aligned after this — or just more detached?
Self-care is love.
Self-indulgence is comfort that forgets to ask what you truly need.
This is the Cushy way.
Care with intention.
Comfort with clarity.
Healing that holds you — and moves you forward.
You deserve rest.
But you also deserve the life waiting for you on the other side of it.
