Last week, I had someone in my home who was not vaccinated and who identifies as an anti-vaxxer.

He spent the entire evening explaining to me why he does not believe in the vaccine and how he will never, ever, get vaccinated.

But my self-care is very important – not just for me, but for the people I care about.

So, I am vaccinated and wear my mask in crowded environments because I feel it is my duty.

It doesn’t guarantee that I will never get COVID, but I can, in good conscience say that I tried not to inconvenience other people.

When I realized that self-care wasn’t selfish, and that it was my duty, making healthy choices everyday became easy.

And those healthy choices include getting vaccinated.

Maria Balais is a community contributor for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is the principal at The Balais Group, a community engagement consulting firm, and a graduate of Agnes Scott College.

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez