Treating Ourselves to Zeal

It’s so easy today to get swept up in the relentless demands of life. Whether trying to stay relevant, “live your best life” on social media, or just make it through the week, one thing often gets pushed aside: yourself. Though self-care may seem like the latest buzzword, there’s profound truth in the old adage that you can’t truly care for others unless you learn to care for yourself.

Most of us are running on autopilot, moving through endless to-do lists, hoping self-care is something we’ll get to “later.” But here’s the thing: if we tuned into that inner spark, that deep energy within us, we’d see that true, sustainable power doesn’t come from hustling—it comes from passion, purpose, and, dare I say, Zeal.

Remember Thomas Merton? The American monk and theologian observed that modern society was stuck in a cycle of overwork and constant activity. He was right. We’ve spent decades trying to do all the things, say yes to all the people, and meet all the goals. But where has that left us? Aside from being utterly depleted, it’s left us in a state of ongoing chaos. We’re constantly saying yes to everything, secretly hoping someone will cancel or a helping hand will come along so we can take a minute to breathe.

So, here’s the question: What if we treated ourselves as a priority instead of an afterthought? Imagine if we gave ourselves the same time and attention we spend choosing the next show to binge on Netflix. Not only would we likely be kinder to each other, but we’d also tap into that endless source of Zeal, always available to us if we only pause long enough to access it.

Stop. Rest. Connect.

With intention and presence, we can step off the carousel of constant doing and rest in the peaceful state of simply being. We don’t have to wander through life like we’re stuck in a wilderness, constantly searching for a signal and surviving one crisis at a time. To live with true Zeal, we have to shift from chaos to a rhythm that honors who we really are. So, how do we do that? By slowing down, tuning in, and reconnecting with the truth of our divine nature. The hustle doesn’t define us—our connection to the wisdom of Zeal does. Here are four essential self-care tips to help you go from “I can’t even” to “I got this.”

Top 4 Self-Care Tips

1. Master the Art of Doing Nothing We’ve been taught that doing nothing is lazy, but it’s an actual art. Make time to simply sit, rest, and recharge. Use meditation apps like Insight Timer or Calm, or just stare at the wall if that feels right. Whatever it is, permit yourself to just be, without any expectation to “do.” This time isn’t wasted—it’s essential for letting go of the constant urge to be in action and allowing silence to nourish you.
2. Honor Your Body Your body is the vessel of divine energy, and it deserves respect, rest, and joy. Sleep like it’s a priority, nourish yourself with food that uplifts you, and find movements that bring you joy rather than exhaustion. Whether it’s yoga, a walk, or dancing in the kitchen, moving in ways that feel good honors your spirit. When we care for our bodies, we’re not only recharging ourselves physically but awakening that deep well of Zeal that sustains us.
3. Set Boundaries to Keep the Fire Burning Saying “no” isn’t just about self-preservation; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. Lean into your inner wisdom to guide your choices and reserve your energy for commitments that spark joy and align with your purpose. Let Zeal lead you to activities and connections that feel fulfilling rather than draining. True Zeal, that connection to our divine wisdom, doesn’t deplete us. It energizes us and leaves us feeling whole.
4. Move Your Body for Joy, Not Punishment Movement should feel liberating, not like a chore. Forget the “no pain, no gain” mentality, and instead, focus on moving in ways that make you feel alive and joyful. Take a walk, stretch, or dance—whatever feels good. Physical movement doesn’t need to be another item on the to-do list; it’s a chance to reconnect with your body, release stress, and, most importantly, enjoy yourself. When movement is joyful, it taps into that infinite source of Zeal.

At the end of the day, we’ve spent far too long being hard on ourselves, pushing for endless productivity. The hustle won’t disappear, but we don’t have to be a part of it 24/7. It’s okay to slow down, pause, and take care of ourselves. Because here’s the thing: when you are kind to yourself, you have the energy to be kind to others. So, close the 20 browser tabs in your brain, take a deep breath, and remember that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. And yes, you absolutely deserve it.