Self Loathing is Easy - Self Care is Hard
Because people suck at taking care of themselves, we have the table which is referred to as the hierarchy of needs.
This chart was created by Abraham Maslow and depicts what is needed to attain happiness in a typical human. Generally, it refers to the motivations of man kind and the theory around this chart is that the needs towards the bottom must be met before the upper tiers can be reached. This chart was created from his research published in 1943 as described in “A Theory of Human Motivation” and still remains mostly true today. Granted, many people don't actually follow these needs. In fact, the more we look towards human nature, we find that there are some needs that Maslow stated were vital, such as food and shelter, that many choose to go without if they don't have other higher needs. As we live in a technological age, it could be stated that the changes in needs have altered because our lifestyles have altered.
Think about the adults that you know and consider how many of them do not take care or take poor care of themself. You can probably think of a few people that would choose a relationship or chasing a relationship as more important, based on their actions, than worrying about home or food. Of course, when it comes down to it, they will need to eat and a place to rest, but the dire motivation to supply those needs aren't always the driving force. It goes to show that this is not an exact science, but it surely does help to understand the majority of people and their actions.
Needs and Wellness
What do you need? People will all enter a different answer when confronted with this. While the bottom or base need according to the hierarchy is safety, one could argue that it is not always the forefront desire for all people. Take myself for example.
This is me.
This is a picture doing something that I love to do
When I find myself worried about money, health, insecurity or any other challenge, I resort to smoking. At times I have smoked 4 packs a day.
How does a person even do that?
When people face their needs and attack their challenges in life head on, they often are limited to their coping skills. The hierarchy then could be considered an ideal then, couldn't it? If it isn't a hard solid, how do we guess the needs as others? Group and individual needs are not always the same, which is why one must take care of themselves first. That is the wise and safe decision.
Maybe Maslow was on to something afterall?
Thought?
I Am Curious
What do you feel are your base needs and priorities? Feel free to discuss! That is how we learn!