EP 67: The Real Cost of Putting Yourself Last
Welcome back to Breathe More! I'm thrilled you're here, and today, I want to dive into a topic that's incredibly close to my heart: making yourself a priority. This came up during our first call of the Dream Bigger Mastermind, where I had the privilege of working with a group of amazing women from diverse backgrounds—some are entrepreneurs, while others are corporate professionals or creatives. Despite their varied experiences, one challenge is painfully common: finding time for themselves.
I’m not just talking about taking a break or squeezing in a quick self-care session; I mean genuinely prioritizing your well-being, goals, desires, and health. Many of these incredible women have spent years sacrificing their needs for their careers and families. Now, they’re at a crossroads where their bodies are signaling that it’s time for a change. Whether it's health goals or emotional well-being, the truth is that neglecting ourselves is unsustainable.
The Pressure to Do It All
In our society, women are often seen as the caretakers, the ones who hold everything together. We juggle responsibilities at work, manage our households, and support friends and family—all while carrying the weight of expectations. This narrative can lead to feelings of guilt when we think about stepping back to focus on ourselves.
During our mastermind call, I guided the women through a visualization exercise. We took a hard look at what was currently working in their lives and where the tension lay. We envisioned how they wanted to feel in six months and what they needed to change to achieve those goals. It was eye-opening for many of them to realize how much they had neglected their own self-care amidst the hustle of life.
Signs You’re Not Prioritizing Yourself
Overcommitment is one of the most prevalent signs that you’re not making yourself a priority. Do you often say yes to every project at work or every social gathering, fearing you might let someone down if you decline? Are you feeling constantly drained, both physically and emotionally?
I’ve heard stories from my mastermind participants about the demands of their roles at work and at home. They’re juggling their jobs while driving kids to soccer games and feeling obligated to attend every family gathering. It’s a beautiful thing to support your loved ones, but at what cost? If you’re always on the go, your body is likely telling you it needs a break.
The Importance of Rest
When we continuously push ourselves to be “on,” we become exhausted and burned out. It becomes harder to concentrate, and creativity dwindles. You may find yourself living off caffeine and sugar just to keep going, but that's not a sustainable solution.
In my own journey, I’ve had to unlearn the belief that resting means I’m lazy. Growing up, I absorbed the message that there was always something to be done, and taking a break was seen as slacking off. Through inner child work and somatic practices like breathwork, I’ve learned to give myself permission to rest without guilt.
How to Start Prioritizing Yourself
Become Aware: The first step to making yourself a priority is awareness. Take a moment to reflect on your current habits. Where are you overcommitting? What tasks are draining you?
Start Small: Once you have clarity, begin with small changes. Maybe it’s blocking out time in your calendar just for you, or allowing yourself to say no to a commitment that doesn't align with your wellbeing.
Reframe Your Perspective: Understand that making yourself a priority is not selfish; it’s essential. By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to support those around you.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with a community that encourages you to take care of yourself. This might mean sharing your intentions with your partner or asking for help when you need it.
Embrace Stillness: Allow yourself to experience moments of stillness. Whether it’s sitting in your car for a few minutes with your favorite playlist or taking a walk in nature, these moments can be incredibly rejuvenating.
A Challenge for You
As we wrap up today’s chat, I challenge you to take some time today to do something just for you. It could be as simple as enjoying a cup of your favorite tea in the sunshine or taking a few moments to breathe deeply and reconnect with yourself. You deserve this time. Your body has been trying to tell you that for a long time, so let’s start giving it the attention it craves.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Remember, we’re in this together, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. If you have topics you’d like me to cover or if you’re interested in joining a live coaching session, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let’s continue to prioritize ourselves so we can radiate our best selves into the world. Until next time, take care and breathe more deeply!
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