The Power of Saving Yourself: Why It's Not Selfish
We’ve all been there—feeling like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders, trying to meet everyone’s expectations while neglecting our own needs. It’s easy to get caught up in the role of being the fixer, the helper, or the person everyone turns to when they need something. But what happens when there’s nothing left to give? What happens when you’re running on empty?
In my latest Let's Talk About It Wednesday video, I share a deeply personal piece titled "Save Yourself." It’s about a time in my life when I reached a breaking point—when the emotional, mental, and physical toll of always trying to help everyone else left me feeling lost, overwhelmed, and completely drained.
The Struggle of Giving Everything and Losing Yourself
In the prose, I describe the experience of being surrounded by people who need things from me, people I want to help, but realizing that I’m running on fumes and can’t even help myself anymore. I became so caught up in saving everyone else that I forgot about the most important person in the equation: myself.
This wasn’t an isolated moment—it was a long build-up of neglecting my own well-being in the name of helping others. I felt guilty for even considering putting myself first. But in the silence of my own thoughts, I realized something powerful: saving yourself is not selfish.
Reclaiming Your Power
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned from this journey is that self-care is an act of strength, not selfishness. We often associate prioritizing ourselves with guilt or shame, thinking it makes us bad people or less caring. But the truth is, we cannot pour from an empty cup.
When we neglect our own needs, we become disconnected from ourselves, unable to function at our best. Reclaiming your power means realizing that you have the ability to change your circumstances, and it starts with choosing yourself. It’s about setting boundaries, listening to your own needs, and recognizing that you are just as important as anyone else you help.
The Turning Point: Embracing Change
There comes a pivotal moment where I realize that the cycle of giving and giving until there’s nothing left is unsustainable. The shift begins when I stop questioning whether things will ever change and focus on what I can control—me. I learned to embrace the changes in my life, to release the energy spent on things beyond my control, and to prioritize my own mental and emotional health.
It’s not about being perfect or always having it together. It’s about showing up for yourself, even on the days when you feel like you can’t. It’s about choosing your well-being over the pressure to please others.
Choosing Yourself Isn’t Selfish—It’s Survival
When I look in the mirror now, I want to see a reflection that smiles back—not a smile that’s hiding hurt or confusion, but a smile that radiates true happiness and contentment with who I am and what I’m doing.
Choosing yourself, saving yourself, isn’t a selfish act. It’s survival. It’s the foundation for a life where you can show up as your best self, not only for others but for you. Self-love isn’t something to feel guilty about—it’s something we all deserve.
What Does "Saving Yourself" Mean to You?
I want to encourage you to take a moment to reflect. When was the last time you truly chose yourself? When was the last time you set aside the pressure to meet everyone else’s needs and took care of your own?
It’s okay to put yourself first. It’s okay to say no when something drains you. It’s okay to acknowledge that your well-being matters, too.
Watch the video below and join the conversation as we explore the powerful act of saving ourselves and why it's not selfish—it's essential. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, in order to be the best version of ourselves for others, we must first prioritize our own healing and happiness.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections in the comments below or connect with you on social media. Let’s continue the conversation and support each other in reclaiming our power and well-being.
with love and light,
Jennifer J.
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