How do we distinguish between selfishness and self-care?

Self-care and selfishness are two buzzwords embedded deep in our collective consciousness that are worth questioning more deeply. It seems generally accepted that self-care is “good” and selfishness is “bad.” Even my question presents this simplistic dichotomy. The truth is no doubt more hazy. Definitions matter. What do we mean by self-care and selfishness? The way we define something allows for certain possibilities and keeps others out. What if we played with our definitions? And remember, when asking ourselves these questions, it needs to be more than mind play. This can be fun and interesting, but to have inquiry change our day to day experience we need to invite our whole selves into the play. Ask yourself: How does an action I take (or don’t take) feel in my body and heart? Listen carefully…