Balancing self-care and civic duty

Though most aspects of community care are optional, it is as essential as self-care.

We do the best we can—at least the best we can see to do—and then we quit. Whether we quit to nourish the body with food and drink, to nourish the spirit with play (whatever play is to us), or simply to rest, we all do, and should, quit serving others as needed for our self-care. The author of my most recommended book these days, Whole Brain Living, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, says, "I find the more I play, the more interest and energy I have for working. I wish everyone understood that."

Then do we recognize when it is time to get back to work? That is easy enough when we have made a commitment to our children or others on which our honor depends, or a commitment to an employer, client, or patient on which our growth, reputation—and paycheck—depend.

But don't we have other important work?

Do we not have work—important duties, though varied and often discretionary —as citizens? Obeying the law and expecting others to do so? Educating ourselves about conditions in our community? Voting? Seeking and speaking the truth in public matters, even when it requires guts to do so? Showing due respect for others? Volunteering to care for our community?

If we believe citizens have no duties, or if we admit we have such duties but neglect or shirk them, or if we think ourselves excused until others better perform their duties of citizenship, how dare we complain about the conditions of society?