Notes

# Redefining Self-Care

Good morning, everyone!
When you hear the words **"self-care,"** what's the first thing that comes to your mind?

*(Pause.)*

A spa day?

A vacation?

A chilling face mask?

Or maybe buying something expensive? - which is kinda mine

I think that's what many of us imagine because that's what we see everywhere. Social media has almost convinced us that self-care has to be aesthetic, productive, or expensive.

But does it really?

A few months ago, I bought myself a tiny little plant.

And… I named it **Tempu.**

*(Smile.)*

People name their dogs.

People name their cats.

**So I thought... why should plants miss out?**

I think plants deserve names too.

Every morning before I start my day, I water my plant. One day, I noticed a tiny new leaf growing, and I was surprisingly excited about it. It made my day

It sounds like such a small thing, but that little moment changed the way I looked at self-care.

It made me realize that maybe self-care isn't about grand gestures.

Maybe it's simply about making room for the little things that quietly make us happy.

That's why I call this speech **"Redefining Self-Care."**

For me, self-care stopped being about what looked good from the outside and became about what genuinely helped me recharge.

And that's different for everyone.

One example for me is skincare.

I had acne for some time, so I started learning about skincare to understand what my skin actually needed.

Somewhere between reading ingredient lists, watching product reviews, and convincing myself that I definitely needed **just one more serum... because apparently every problem has a different serum...** it stopped being a routine.

It became a hobby. It heals me , Its now my self care

In fact, my friends are convinced I have a **PhD in skincare.**

Whenever someone wants to buy a cleanser, sunscreen, or moisturizer, somehow the question always ends up with me.

And they still don't understand how I can spend hours watching skincare videos.

Honestly…

I don't have a good explanation either.
The funny thing is, yes, my skin became way clearer than before.

But that's not what I value the most.

I found something that genuinely helps me slow down after a busy day.

Maybe for some of you, it's cricket.

*(Look toward one side.)*

Maybe it's Netflix.

*(Look toward another side.)*

Maybe it's gaming… or music.

Mine just happens to be ingredient lists.

*(Smile.)*


Another little ritual I love is what I call my **Relaxation Sunday.**

Nothing fancy.

I oil my hair…

Do a simple DIY facial…

Paint my nails…

Cook myself something I enjoy…

And finish the day watching the goofiest movie I can find.

It's not a luxury.

It's just a few hours where I don't feel guilty for slowing down.

I also genuinely enjoy spending time by myself.

I love **taking myself on little dates**—exploring a new café, trying a dish I've never had before, wandering through different parts of the city, taking pictures, and sending the best ones to my parents.

And sometimes I put my phone away for a while and simply enjoy where I am.

I've realized that not every beautiful moment has to be posted online.

Some moments are more meaningful when they're simply experienced.

When I look at all these things—a tiny plant, skincare, cooking, quiet Sundays, solo adventures—they don't seem connected at first.

But they all do one thing.

They help me feel like myself again.

And I think that's what self-care really is.

Not following someone else's morning routine.

Not buying the latest trending product.

Not doing something just because everyone else is.

It's about discovering what genuinely helps you recharge.

So today, I'd simply like to leave you with this thought.

Maybe we don't need to ask,

**"What's the perfect self-care routine?"**

Maybe the better question is,

**"What are the small things that help me slow down, recharge, and enjoy life a little more?"**

The answer will be different for every one of us.

And I think that's exactly how it should be.

For me, one of those little reminders is still a tiny plant named Tempu.
[p
It reminds me that growth doesn't always happen through one big change.

Sometimes it comes from small acts of care, repeated consistently.

Maybe that's true for us too. [ and that is true for us as well is what i believe ]

Thank you.