In the busy rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget about ourselves. We get wrapped up in work, relationships, and endless to-do lists, often ignoring the most important person in our lives: ourselves. I was no different. For years, I put everyone and everything else first. My life was all about others; it never even crossed my mind that “they” could also include “me.” I was busy raising my children, earning a living, and tending to my husband. Yes, everything was okay, or I could even say good, but I was not living fully. This was because I was not aware that my cup needed to be full first before I could serve others.
Unless you are aware that the color red exists, you would not be looking for it, nor would you even know that red could be your favorite color.
Once I became aware, I decided to make a change. I decided to start noticing myself. Here’s what happened when I began this life-changing journey.
The Wake-Up Call
My wake-up call came unexpectedly. One day, I found myself completely exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I realized that I had been running on empty for too long. It hit me that I had been so focused on taking care of everyone else that I had ignored my own needs.
This moment was like discovering a new color in my life. Just as you wouldn’t know to look for the color red unless you knew it existed, I hadn’t realized the importance of self-care until that moment. I understood that to truly care for others, I first needed to care for myself.
Rediscovering My Joys
One of the best parts of this journey was finding my passions again. I started asking myself what truly made me happy. What do I really love doing? I began to explore these interests without feeling guilty. I signed up for classes, explored writing, changed careers, took short breaks close to home, and even changed my sleeping pattern.
Each of these activities brought me immense joy and a sense of fulfillment that I hadn’t felt in years.
Learning to Say No
As I started to focus on myself, I realized how important it was to set boundaries. I learned to say no without feeling guilty. This changed everything. By setting boundaries, I could protect my time and energy, making sure I had enough left for myself.
It wasn’t easy at first, but with practice, it became natural. I found that people respected me more when I was clear about my limits.
Being Kind to Myself
One of the most important changes was learning to be kind to myself. I stopped being my harshest critic and started treating myself with the same kindness I gave to others. I allowed myself to make mistakes and learned to forgive myself.
This shift in mindset was incredibly freeing. I began to see myself not as a collection of flaws, but as a whole, perfectly imperfect human being.
Better Relationships
Interestingly, as I started to notice and care for myself, my relationships improved. When I was happier and more fulfilled, I had more to give to others. I became a better friend, partner, and family member. My relationships became more balanced and fair.
People noticed the change in me and responded positively.
Feeling Healthier
Focusing on myself had a big impact on my overall well-being. I started paying attention to my physical health, eating better, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
I also took care of my mental health by practising mindfulness and meditation. These changes didn’t happen overnight, but gradually, I began to feel more energetic, less stressed, and more at peace.
The Ripple Effect
What started as a personal journey soon had a ripple effect on other areas of my life.
I became more productive at work, more creative in my projects, and more resilient in the face of challenges. By taking care of myself, I was better equipped to handle whatever life threw my way.
Conclusion
Starting to notice myself was the best decision I ever made.
It wasn’t always easy, and it required a lot of introspection and effort, but the rewards were immense. I learned that self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. By taking the time to focus on myself, I became a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled person. If you’ve been neglecting yourself, I encourage you to start noticing yourself. It’s never too late to make a change, and the journey is well worth it.