Picture this:
A pregnant woman at a bar. Drinking and smoking.
Your reaction?
Immediate. Visceral. Judgmental.
Yet here’s the fascinating part:
Many who quit these habits instantly for pregnancy return to them after giving birth.
Think about that for a moment.
We’ll dramatically change our behavior to protect someone else.
But ourselves?
Not so much.
It goes deeper:
You’d never let your kids mindlessly scroll for hours.
But you?
“Just five more minutes…”
You’d intervene if a friend
Was in a toxic relationship.
But your own toxic patterns?
“It’s complicated…”
You’d support a loved one
Leaving a soul-crushing job.
But your own career prison?
“At least it pays the bills…”
Here’s the thing:
You already know what’s hurting you.
Nobody needs to tell you.
That:
• Toxic relationship
• Crushing workload
• Mindless scrolling and Netflixing
• Over-eating and drinking
• Self-sabotaging behavior
If you saw these patterns in someone you love,
You’d be concerned.
You’d offer advice and support.
You’d show compassion.
So here’s my question:
Why not extend that same love to yourself?
Because you’re not:
• Less worthy
• Less important
• Less deserving
Than:
• Your unborn child
• Your partner
• Your best friend
• Anyone else
Yet somehow we’ve learned to:
• Prioritize others’ wellbeing
• Ignore our own needs
• Accept our own suffering
What if we treated ourselves with the same care we show a pregnant woman?
What if we protected ourselves with the same fierceness we protect our children?
What if we loved ourselves with the same intensity we love others?
Your self-care isn’t selfish.
Your self-love isn’t vain.
Your self-respect isn’t pride.
They’re essential.
Because, you can´t pour from an empty cup.
So, look in the mirror.
See yourself through the eyes of someone who loves you.
What advice would you give?
What changes would you suggest?
What support would you offer?
Then do it.
For you.
Because you deserve it.
Just as much as anyone else.
PS. About the picture: You´d do anything to protect your kid(s). Just like me. But would you take care of yourself…..so you can take better care of them?
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