Choosing Yourself Changes More Than Your Career
How I learned that valuing myself meant prioritizing my own well-being and building a life that truly matters.
For a long time, I thought being overwhelmed was simply part of working hard. I was raising two daughters, building a career, and trying to give everyone the best of me. But I was constantly stressed, overworked, and underpaid. By the time I got home, I often felt like I had nothing left to give.
I loved my work, but the place I was working no longer met my needs. That was difficult to admit. I kept thinking I should be able to push through, that maybe things would get better if I just worked harder. Instead, I grew more frazzled and exhausted. My family got the version of me that was left at the end of the day, and I missed feeling like myself.
Eventually, I realized that valuing myself meant taking my own needs seriously. I had the opportunity to go out on my own as a travel advisor, so I took it and started EverWild Travel Co. It was one of the scariest decisions I've made. There was no guarantee it would work. But staying where I was had a cost, too, and I could feel that cost in my everyday life.
Starting my business has brought its own challenges, but it has also given me room to build a career that reflects who I am and what matters to me. I can care deeply about my clients and still make choices that support my family and my well-being. I'm proud of the work I do, and I'm proud that my daughters get to see me pursue something I believe in.
Putting yourself first can sound selfish, especially when you're a mother and so many people depend on you. I've learned that it can be an act of care. When I began treating my own well-being as something that mattered, I became more present for the people I love.
Not everyone can leave a job or start a business, and choosing yourself will look different for each person. It might mean asking for support, setting a boundary, seeking a new opportunity, or admitting that something needs to change. Whatever form it takes, your paycheck or title should not be the only measure of what a job is worth to you.
We get one life. I want mine to be filled with meaningful work, time with my family, and the freedom to keep growing. Choosing myself helped me move toward that life. If you've been waiting for permission to consider what you need, I hope you know you're allowed to give it to yourself.
