This Is Self-Preservation
Let’s unlearn the guilt real quick…
Caring for yourself is not selfish.
It’s not dramatic.
It’s not you “doing too much.”
It’s survival.
Because somewhere along the way, you were taught that putting yourself first meant neglecting others.
So you overgave.
Overextended.
Overrode your own needs just to keep the peace.
And now?
You’re tired.
Not because you’re weak…
but because you’ve been carrying more than you were meant to.
So let’s call it what it is:
Self-preservation.
Choosing rest when your body says slow down.
Choosing boundaries when something feels off.
Choosing distance when access feels unsafe.
Choosing yourself without over-explaining why.
You don’t need permission to take care of you.
And the people who benefit from you being depleted?
They will always call your healing “too much.”
But baby… protecting your peace is not indulgence.
It’s necessary.
It’s wise.
And it ’s long overdue.
Dee Bloomingmoore 🌺
In my own journey, I often struggled to prioritize myself because of the deep-rooted belief that self-care was selfish. However, I realized that consistently putting others’ needs ahead of my own led to burnout and exhaustion. It took embracing the idea of self-preservation to truly transform how I approached my wellbeing. Self-preservation means listening to your body and mind when they signal the need to slow down. It involves recognizing that rest is not laziness but an important recharge necessary for sustained health and emotional balance. Setting healthy boundaries can be challenging, especially if you’re used to pleasing everyone around you, but it is key to protecting your energy and peace. Audre Lorde’s powerful quote, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation,” resonates deeply with me. It reframes self-care as a non-negotiable practice, essential for survival rather than an optional luxury. When you start choosing yourself unapologetically and without excessive explanations, you honor your well-being and create space to show up more fully in your life and relationships. I’ve found that those who benefit from your depletion may label your healing efforts as “too much,” but this criticism often stems from their discomfort with change. Protecting your peace is wise and necessary—long overdue if you have been carrying too much. Embracing self-preservation doesn’t just improve your own life; it can inspire others to reclaim their own health and happiness too. For anyone feeling tired and overwhelmed, remember that you don’t need anyone’s permission to take care of yourself. Choosing rest, boundaries, and distance when needed are powerful acts of courage that sustain you. By shifting the mindset from guilt to survival, you empower yourself to live more authentically and resiliently every day.
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