It’s Time to Choose YOU First
In the words of Maya Angelou, “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” How often do we, as women, put ourselves at the bottom of the list, carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs and forgetting that we, too, need care, rest and love?
Let me remind you today—rest is not a luxury. Rest is your birth right. It’s not something you need to "earn" or justify. It’s as essential as breathing, as vital as the work you do for others. Because without rest, how can you continue to give the best of yourself to the world?
Stillness is power. Choosing to pause, to embrace quiet and to listen to your heart isn’t selfish—it’s revolutionary. It’s saying to the world, “I matter too.” We have been conditioned to believe that taking time for ourselves is indulgent, even lazy. But hear this loud and clear: You are not here to run yourself into the ground for others. You are here to thrive, to be whole, to live a life filled with joy and abundance.
And that starts with taking care of YOU.
When was the last time you truly allowed yourself to rest without guilt? To stop and breathe, not because you’re exhausted, but because your spirit needed it? Rest isn’t just about your body; it’s about your soul, your mind and your heart. It’s about creating space for peace, clarity, and healing. Choosing to rest is an act of courage. It’s reclaiming the narrative that you have to "do it all" to be valuable. No, sis, your value is inherent. You don’t need to prove it.
And let me tell you, guilt has no place here. Guilt is a liar that tells you you’re doing something wrong by caring for yourself. But the truth is, you cannot pour from an empty cup. When you allow yourself the grace to pause, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re showing others what it means to honour your own worth. You’re teaching your daughters, your sisters, your community that self-care is not selfish; it’s survival. When you rest, you become the best version of yourself and the ripple effect of that is immeasurable.
Imagine what would happen if you made yourself a priority—not an afterthought. Imagine the strength you’d regain, the clarity you’d find, the joy you’d rediscover. This isn’t about abandoning your responsibilities; it’s about embracing your responsibility to yourself. Because when you care for yourself first, you don’t just survive—you thrive. And thriving women build thriving families, thriving communities and thriving legacies.
So today, I’m challenging you to take responsibility for your well-being. To unapologetically claim the rest, the grace and the compassion your body, mind and spirit deserve. Take a walk, read a book, sit in silence, or simply breathe deeply and let the world wait. It’s time to reclaim your power, one moment of stillness at a time. Because when you choose YOU, you’re not just surviving—you’re rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a strong, whole and radiant woman.
Take this as your reminder: you are not a machine, you are a woman—brilliant, vibrant, and deserving of every moment of peace and renewal. Rest is your superpower. Own it.
This week, what’s one thing you’ll do to prioritise yourself? Take a moment to reflect and share your self-care goals in the comments—we’d love to celebrate your journey with you. If this message resonates with you, like this post as a promise to honour your right to rest. And don’t forget to share it with a sister who could use this reminder. Together, let’s inspire and uplift one another to embrace rest and self-compassion.
