Endorsements for It’s OK to Start with You
“Take a deep breath, relax, and dive into a book that will bring you perspective and peace! Julia Hogan offers a meaningful, faithful, and well-balanced approach to self-care that we all need as beloved children of God. For years, I’ve longed for a book to recommend to women that discusses self-care within the Catholic worldview. This is that book.” — Leah Darrow, author of The Other Side of Beauty
“In an age that often considers self-care to be an extended form of selfishness, Julia Hogan does a great service to her profession, her clients, and her readers by articulating the keys to achieving a balanced and flourishing lifestyle. She approaches her subject in a way that integrates the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical components of human life. Based in large part on St. John Paul II’s understanding of the human person, she provides a practical guide to self-care anchored in timeless insights that lead to true happiness.” — Fr. Charles Sikorsky, J.D., J.C.L., L.C., president, Divine Mercy University
“Most people cannot understand the difference between self-centeredness and self-care. In a world overrun and confused by narcissism, Julia Hogan has woven together a poignant exposition of the dignity with which we are created in the image of God and the goodness and responsibility we have to show ourselves due reverence in caring for ourselves. We can’t give what we don’t have, and everyone from healing professionals to ministry leaders to the average man or woman can benefit from her words.” — Dr. Greg Bottaro, author of The Mindful Catholic and director of the CatholicPsych Institute
“Part fairy-godmother, part psychologist, Julia Hogan reminds us what self-care actually looks like (hint: it doesn’t translate to an indulgent trip to the spa). This is more than just a book: it’s a guide that will help you uncover what real balance means, helping you tap into your own transformative powers.” — Maria Walley, relationships editor at Verily magazine
It’s OK to Start with You
Julia Marie Hogan, MS, LCPC
Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division
Our Sunday Visitor, Inc,
Huntington, Indiana 46750
Except where noted, the Scripture citations used in this work are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible — Second Catholic Edition (Ignatius Edition), copyright © 1965, 1966, 2006 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Every reasonable effort has been made to determine copyright holders of excerpted materials and to secure permissions as needed. If any copyrighted materials have been inadvertently used in this work without proper credit being given in one form or another, please notify Our Sunday Visitor in writing so that future printings of this work may be corrected accordingly.
Copyright © 2018 by Julia Marie Hogan. Published 2018.
23 22 21 20 19 18 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
All rights reserved. With the exception of short excerpts for critical reviews, no part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without permission from the publisher. For more information, visit: www.osv.com/permissions.
Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division
Our Sunday Visitor, Inc.
200 Noll Plaza
Huntington, IN 46750
1-800-348-2440
ISBN: 978-1-68192-205-8 (Inventory No. T1911)
eISBN: 978-1-68192-206-5
LCCN: 2018935369
Cover and interior design: Lindsey Riesen
Cover art: Shutterstock
Interior art: Shutterstock
Printed in the United States of America
About the Author
Julia Marie Hogan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago. In addition to her work as a psychotherapist, she leads workshops and writes on topics related to self-care, relationships, and mental health. She is passionate about empowering individuals to be their most authentic selves. You can find more of her writing online at Verily. She completed her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia. For more information, please visit juliamariehogan.com.
Dedication
To my parents and my sister, who have always encouraged me to pave my own path, cultivate my talents, and share them with others.
Disclaimer
This book is meant to be for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as a substitute for professional medical or psychological help. Please check with a healthcare professional before making any diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes. If you are in crisis, contact your nearest emergency medical center.
All identifying information in the case examples in this work have been changed. All individuals mentioned in this book are a combination of many clients and do not refer to one particular client, or were created for illustrative purposes.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Why Do I Feel This Way?
Chapter 2: Being Mean to Ourselves
Chapter 5: What Self-Care Isn’t
Part II: Creating Your Self-Care Plan
Chapter 7: Taking Care of Your Body
Chapter 8: Prioritizing Mental Health
Chapter 10: Nurturing Relationships
Chapter 11: Making Time for Prayer
Chapter 12: How to Build a Self-Care Plan