As women, we often find ourselves juggling various roles – leaders, business owners, caregivers, and many more. We strive for success, fulfilling the expectations of our society and those we care for. However, amidst this whirlwind of responsibilities, we tend to neglect the most crucial person in our lives – ourselves.

A few years ago, I found myself in a hospital bed, overwhelmed and exhausted. It was a wake-up call that made me realize the cost of constantly saying “yes” to others while saying “no” to my own needs. I had pushed myself beyond my limits, ignoring the signs that I needed to slow down and take care of myself. This experience isn’t unique to me; many of my clients face similar challenges, putting themselves last on their to-do lists, only to wonder why they feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and unhealthy.

The Lesson From My Grandmother and Mother

The wisdom to prioritize yourself isn’t new. I learned it from my grandmother and mother, who, despite their busy lives and pouring into everyone else, would wake up early each morning for a moment of solitude. With their journal, Bible, and a cup of coffee, they found peace and clarity in those quiet hours praying, writing, and meditating. Initially, I thought they were simply early risers, but with time, I understood this was their way of nurturing their soul before starting their day.

The Importance of a Morning Ritual

This practice of morning solitude is not just a ritual but a necessity. It’s about giving yourself the time and space to recharge before facing the day’s demands. For me, adopting this habit has been transformative. It’s my non-negotiable self-care routine that has made all the difference in how I navigate my day, manage stress, and make decisions.

The Power of Stillness and Silence

Most people underestimate the value of sitting in stillness, of being alone with their thoughts and emotions. Whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee before checking your phone or emails, this practice provides clarity that is hard to find amidst the chaos of daily life. It’s a time to reflect, to understand our true priorities, and to align our actions with what’s genuinely important.

My Advice: Check In With Yourself

So, my advice is to start your day by checking in with yourself. Before diving into the hustle and bustle, take a moment to be with your thoughts, understand your feelings, and set your intentions for the day. This simple act can provide you with the strength, clarity, and focus you need to tackle your day while staying true to yourself.

If you are already rolling your eyes and thinking “Allison, that sounds nice but I really can’t afford to do this. I have so much on my plate.” I would push back. When my clients say this to me, I know that there is a block – whether it is a sabotaging belief, boundary, or behavior – and it is just a matter of figuring out how to make this happen. I’ve helped a mother of 3 young children who works a full-time sales leadership job and is in the process of starting a jewelry business to find time to prioritize herself, if she can do it, so can you.

If you are struggling with finding the time to create space for yourself or you realize that you are sacrificing your health and well-being due to your abundance of responsibilities, click here to book a call with me. I’d love to help you navigate this and find a more supportive way forward, so you can take better care of yourself.