Simple Ways to Prioritize Yourself (Even When Life Feels Overwhelming)
Over the years, I’ve heard the saying “You are one of one” a lot. Often, it’s about owning your uniqueness, recognizing you are special and worthy. And I completely agree with that….and….it’s got me thinking about another layer to it.
If we are one of one, valuable, unique, worthy then why don’t we treat ourselves that way?
I see so many people:
Working themselves into the ground
Grabbing their phones first thing in the morning or staying on them until the last possible moment
Spending oodles of time scrolling social media
Disappointed that their day off wasn’t productive
So exhausted after working, taking care of family, etc…that all they can do is fall on the couch after dinner and watch TV.
And while there is nothing wrong with working, scrolling social media or watching TV, often it’s a automatic response. One that we've done so many times we don't know any different or feel like we don't have any other choice.
But what if we were to make a different choice? An intentional one? One in which we choose ourselves and step out of busyness and truly take care of ourselves?
I’m not saying it is easy and I’m not saying you have to be perfect at it. Heck, the other day I got sucked in to binge watching The Great British Sewing Bee for a few hours because I was so tired after travel. It happens. No need to beat yourself up or shame yourself. (This was one of the hardest lessons I had to learn myself.)
When Choosing Yourself Feels Impossible
I know what some of you might be thinking: 'This sounds nice, but I'm in a season where this feels impossible.' Maybe you're a new parent surviving on little sleep, caring for an aging family member, managing a health crisis, or juggling multiple demanding responsibilities.
I see you. And I still want you to ask the question: How can I choose myself today?
Because here's the thing - choosing yourself doesn't have to mean hours away. It can mean three intentional breaths before you get out of bed. A 30-second pause to feel sunlight on your face. Drinking your coffee mindfully instead of gulping it down. Saying a kind word to yourself instead of harsh criticism.
You can't pour from an empty cup, and even the smallest acts of self-care help refill it, drop by drop.
More Small Ways to Choose Yourself
I’m here to champion being more intentional in our lives and choosing ourselves more often. This means slowing down enough to make more intentional choices like:
Choosing joy, fun, play, nature, stillness
Think blowing bubbles during a break, looking at the clouds instead of your screen, coloring or doodling with fun markers, having a dance party in your kitchen, or buying yourself flowers just because
Oh…and speaking of bubbles, my favorite bubble wands are these.
Learning to say no and setting healthy boundaries
Give yourself a "finish work" time and actually honor it, decline social events when you need rest, or stop checking emails after 7pm
Unplugging from devices and social media
Leave your phone in another room during meals, take a walk without headphones, or designate Sunday mornings as phone-free time
Connecting with friends in meaningful ways
Schedule regular coffee dates instead of just texting, write actual letters or cards, have deep conversations instead of surface-level catch-ups, or plan activities you both genuinely enjoy
Reading, creating, or simply sitting still
Read fiction instead of just work-related books, try watercolors or paint by numbers without worrying about being "good," journal with no agenda, or sit on your deck and just watch the world go by
What would it look like for you to choose yourself more often than not? What does choosing yourself mean to you in your busy life?
Oh…and the image that goes with this post? This is me choosing to lean in and just have fun during karaoke. That was me choosing me instead of listening to the stories in my head about not being able to sing, looking silly. I didn’t care what I sounded like. I just donned a blue wig to go with my awesome onesie and danced it out!
If you are ready to step out of autopilot and create more intentional space in your life, I’d love to help you slow down in ways that work for you.
Learn more about working together or grab my free guide: 9 Ways to Find Stillness in a Busy World.
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