Stop Waiting for the Fire Alarms: My Radical Self-Care Awakening

We often hear the phrase "put your oxygen mask on first." It's a cliché, but like many clichés, it holds a profound truth. For too long, I ignored this truth, prioritizing everything and everyone else over my own well-being. I told myself I was strong, that I could handle the stress, that "later" would be soon enough to address my mounting health concerns.

My blood pressure, a silent struggle for years, became uncontrollable. It was a stark, terrifying wake-up call. I found myself taking a leave of absence from work, a decision I wrestled with for weeks. The guilt was overwhelming. How could I abandon my clients? How could I burden my coworkers with my workload?

But then, a chilling thought struck me: what if I hadn't taken this leave? What if I had continued to ignore the warning signs? I could have ended up hospitalized for an extended period, or worse, not recovered at all. The burden on my colleagues would be far greater then.

That's when I realized: waiting for the crisis is not strength, it's self-sabotage.

I embarked on a journey of radical self-care. I cancelled meetings, started meticulously tracking my blood pressure, incorporated movement into my day, and began paying close attention to my meals. It wasn't easy. Old habits die hard, and the guilt still lingered. But I knew I had to prioritize my health, not just for myself, but for everyone I cared about.

What advice would I give to someone I love? The very advice I'm finally taking myself:

• Listen to your body. Don't dismiss those nagging aches, the constant fatigue, the subtle shifts in your mood. They are signals, not inconveniences.

• Don't wait for the crisis. Start small, but start now. Incorporate daily walks, mindful breathing, or a healthy meal.

• Prioritize rest and recovery. It's not a luxury, it's a necessity.

• Set boundaries. Learn to say no, even if it feels uncomfortable. Your time and energy are precious.

• Seek support. Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, family, or professionals.

• Track your progress. Seeing tangible improvements can be incredibly motivating.

• Practice Self Love. Self love is not selfish, it is necessary.

Self-love isn't just bubble baths and face masks (though those are great too!). It's about respecting your body, honoring your needs, and prioritizing your well-being. It's about recognizing that you are worthy of care, not as a reward for productivity, but simply because you exist.

The love I have for my clients, my community, and my purpose demands that I start with loving myself first. Because the truth is, I can't pour from an empty cup. And neither can you.

Sis, it's safe to prioritize yourself. It's safe to heal. It's safe to love yourself radically.

Don't wait for the fire alarms. Start your self-care journey today. Your future self will thank you.