The Real Cost of Ignoring Self-Care

People tell me all the time that I’m so much like my mom. Looks, traits, behaviors, mannerisms, goals, you name it. I didn’t really see it or get it while she was alive (of course, do kids ever?), but I see it all the time now!

We were both really driven in the athletic world, and after leaving sports, it carried over into both of our personal lives and businesses, too. When we want something, we GET it. Ain’t no mountain high enough!

I call her an OG Ambition Working Mom, because she was kicking ass well before it was socially acceptable for women to show up like that. She got her athletic scholarship the year Title 9 was passed, and she ran her business and life like she was a freaking BOSS, not a “girl boss.” She went HARD, in school, sports, business, and LIFE.

The intensity and ambition have served me well in my life (especially in business), and I’m so grateful to have had her powerful example of what getting👏shit👏done👏 and making dreams come true looks like!

The truth is, though…one of the most important things I’ve learned from her came from losing her. Going HARD has a cost.     

🙅‍♀️ I didn’t learn from her, in life, how to turn it all off and rest to recharge.

🙅‍♀️ I didn’t learn to say no to others when I needed to take care of myself.

🙅‍♀️ I didn’t learn from her, in life, that allowing yourself to be constantly overwhelmed and at your max can cause dis-ease in your body.

I learned that from her in death. Which I’ve found to be a very powerful and autocratic teacher.

You probably didn’t learn it that stuff, either, am I right? That’s because the best teachers aren’t here to teach it. You don’t live though that lesson.

I know it’s SO hard to take time to stop and rest, when time feels so limited. I know it feels frivolous in the moment. I know it feels like an option, like an extra, like an indulgence. I know you CAN push through the pain, swallow down the stress, cry quietly in the closet, and just solider on without end. I know you can, friend.

But there’s a cost that comes with that choice, and it’s really hard to see that cost in the moment. So, will you please just take my word for it, that failing to learn to take care of YOU comes at the ULTIMATE cost?

You’ve got to start spending time, money, and effort on taking care of YOU.

Take a break. Say no. Let it wait. Respect your body. Listen to your heart. Acknowledge the bone-deep exhaustion. Celebrate your achievements. Honor your commitment and service.  

Take the time. Spend the money. Make the effort.

You’re worth it. And you NEED it. Trust me.