Life has a way of testing our strength in moments we least expect. Recently, my child and I were involved in a terrifying car accident—a moment that turned our world upside down, quite literally, as our car overturned on the freeway. Thankfully, we are here to tell the tale, but the journey since has been one of profound reflection, healing, and learning.
In the immediate aftermath, my instinct was to rush back to life as usual. As a mother, entrepreneur, civil servant, and student, I wear many hats—each demanding energy, focus, and time. Between handling legal matters, attending doctor visits, guiding my employees, keeping up with coursework, assisting my children with their schoolwork, and managing the household, I convinced myself that showing resilience meant jumping back into the fray, as if nothing had happened.
But in the midst of juggling all these roles, I failed to notice how deeply I was hurt—physically, emotionally, and mentally. On the outside, I appeared fine, carrying on with my responsibilities as if the weight of it all hadn’t caught up with me. It wasn’t until I truly paused that I realized healing is not a race, and perseverance doesn’t mean ignoring yourself in the process.
This experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life: self-care is not selfish; it is essential. We cannot pour into others if our own cup is empty. No matter how accustomed we are to putting ourselves last, there comes a time when we must prioritize our well-being—because healing starts with recognizing our own needs.
To my fellow entrepreneurs, parents, students, and multitaskers out there, I want to share this message: Just because someone looks okay on the outside doesn’t mean they’re not fighting battles within. Give yourself permission to pause. Take time to listen to your body and mind. It’s okay to say, “I need a moment,” or even a season, to heal and regroup. True perseverance isn’t about pretending everything is fine—it’s about having the courage to take care of yourself so you can rise stronger.
Let’s normalize self-care, even amidst the chaos of building careers, raising families, and chasing dreams. Because when we take care of ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for everything and everyone we hold dear.
So today, I’m choosing to be kinder to myself, to take breaks without guilt, and to heal fully. I hope you do the same. Your health and well-being matter—more than you know. Let’s give ourselves the grace we so often extend to others.
You’ve got this. And remember, it’s okay to put yourself first—you are worth it. 💙
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