I strongly believe it was ingrained in a woman’s DNA since the dawn of time.
We’ve been programmed to be the “doers of all things.” You know how it goes - take care of the kids, take care of the house, take care of the land and take care of your spouse.
Oh wait, there was one more thing to take care of…YOU. But, you always put yourself on the back burner with the thought,
“I'll take care of me later or tomorrow.”
I’ll admit. I'm a recovering “doer of all things.”🫣 I love helping others. Been this way since I can remember. It has always been so easy for me to help others before being able to help myself. Having this characteristic helped me a lot when I was younger, but as I get older and managing a chronic illness, my body let me know that I needed to make some changes.
I love the trend that we, as women, have been on with recognizing and making ourselves a priority. I love that we are taking care of ourselves first as we can no longer pour from an empty cup because what good are we if we’re running on fumes?
The truth is, making yourself a priority isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s necessary. When you’re constantly giving—whether to your family, work, or community—there’s no room left for you. And I get it, the guilt creeps in, whispering that taking time for yourself means neglecting everyone else. But the reality? You can’t give your best when you’re not at your best.
I had to learn this the hard way, especially while managing my chronic illness. I used to push through, thinking, “I’ll rest later”, but who knows when the hell that “later” will come along. And, continuing to “push through” took a toll—on my body, my mind, and ultimately, on the people I love.
So, if you’re like I was—constantly moving, constantly doing—it’s time to make a change. And no, it doesn’t mean dropping everything to run off for a spa day (though, if that’s in the cards, go for it!). It means carving out small moments of intentional care for yourself throughout your day.
Now, let’s get practical. Finding balance between taking care of your family and taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small. Maybe it’s 10 minutes in the morning to sip your coffee in peace or a short walk to clear your mind. Maybe it’s asking for help when you need it and letting go of the guilt that comes with it.
You deserve to feel whole and rested, not just for yourself, but for the people you love. Because when you take care of yourself, you’re not only setting a powerful example for your kids, but you’re also filling your cup so you can show up as your best self for you, your health, and your family.
So, the next time you feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions, remember this: You can be there for your family and for yourself. It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most and allowing yourself the space to breathe.
Until next time, wishing you a better today than yesterday!
Michelle 🥰🧡
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