Life Changes When YOU Do: The Power of Self-Caring
I once made a simple Facebook post: “So what’s REALLY stopping you? From going for your dreams? Taking that trip? Taking care of yourself? Living life to the fullest? I can tell you what it is not—it’s not someone else, something else, time, or even money. We make happen what we make a priority. Isn’t it time you moved yourself up the list of things that are IMPORTANT?”
What happened next? A flood of comments, emails, and messages.
“But HOW, Connie?”
“Isn’t putting myself first…selfish?”
“I feel guilty even thinking about it.”
I hear this ALL THE TIME. But let me be clear:
Prioritizing yourself is NOT selfish. It’s self-care.
And there’s a BIG difference.
Selfish means putting yourself first at the expense of others.
Self-caring means putting yourself first so you can show up fully for others.
And yet, so many people struggle with this. You’ve been conditioned to believe that self-sacrifice is noble, that “being there for everyone” makes you a good person, that your needs come second—or last.
Let me ask you: How’s that working for you?
- Are you exhausted?
- Resentful?
- Frustrated?
- Feeling invisible?
- Keeping score in relationships?
If you said yes to any of these, it’s time for a hard reset.
Why Self-Care Is a Game Changer
People around you—your kids, spouse, friends, coworkers—are always watching. They learn from how you treat yourself.
If you constantly put yourself last, you teach:
- That burnout is normal.
- That personal needs don’t matter.
- That resentment is part of relationships.
But when you show up as someone who values themselves—you model:
✅ Confidence.
✅ Healthy boundaries.
✅ The power of self-respect.
This isn’t about neglecting others. It’s about showing up for others as your best self. And that only happens when you take care of YOU first.
The Self-Caring Game Plan: 7 Ways to Start NOW
- Say No (Without Guilt)
– If it drains you, steals your peace, or makes you feel undervalued—PASS.
– “No” is a complete sentence. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. - Set Clear Boundaries
– Stop overcommitting.
– Protect your time.
– You don’t have to answer texts at midnight. - Stop Negative Self-Talk
– Replace “I’m not good enough” with “I am capable.”
– Speak to yourself like you would a close friend. - Prioritize Rest & Recharge
– Sleep is NOT a luxury—it’s a necessity.
– Make space for hobbies and joy.
– Schedule downtime like it’s a non-negotiable appointment. - Walk Away from Toxic People
– If someone drains you, release them.
– Surround yourself with people who uplift and respect you. - Invest in Your Health
– Nourish your body. Move daily. Hydrate.
– Your well-being fuels everything else. - Give Yourself Permission to Be Happy
– You do NOT need approval to live your best life.
– Joy is an act of courage. Choose it.
The Bottom Line
Your life doesn’t change because you wait for someone to save you. It changes because YOU decide you are worth it.
And you are.
Make yourself a priority. Not because it’s selfish.
But because it’s necessary.
Let the world see what happens when you show up whole, strong, and unapologetically YOU.
Got questions? Let’s talk. Let’s get your team FIRED UP, inspire bold leadership, and shake things up at your next event—click here to start making it happen.
