“Are you treating yourself like a priority—or an afterthought?”
For as long as he could remember, Alex, a 48-year-old project manager, prided himself on being reliable. If anyone needed help—whether it was his team at work, his wife, his friends, or even neighbors—Alex was the first to step up. But his willingness to give came at a cost. Over time, his own needs fell to the wayside.
He barely exercised, skipped meals, and stayed up late to finish his own work after helping everyone else with theirs. Alex convinced himself he was doing the right thing, but deep down, he felt drained, unappreciated, and disconnected from himself.
It wasn’t until a routine check-up revealed high blood pressure and fatigue-related symptoms that Alex realized he couldn’t keep this pace forever. His doctor’s advice? “Take care of yourself first, or you won’t be around to take care of anyone else.” Those words hit him hard.
“When I prioritize myself, I create space for my best self to shine.”
The next morning, Alex set his alarm 30 minutes earlier than usual and started his day differently. He spent 10 minutes journaling, reflecting on what mattered most to him, and another 20 minutes stretching and preparing a healthy breakfast. At first, it felt strange to put his needs above others, but as days turned into weeks, Alex noticed the change.
He felt stronger and more focused. He had more patience with his team and his family, and he began setting boundaries—something he’d always struggled with. Saying “no” to extra responsibilities didn’t make him less dependable; it made him more effective at the things that truly mattered.
As Alex reflected on his journey, he realized that prioritizing himself wasn’t selfish—it was necessary. It gave him the energy and clarity he needed to show up fully for the people and goals he cared about most.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” – Unknown
Six months later, Alex had not only improved his health but also rekindled his passion for photography, a hobby he’d abandoned years ago. Every weekend, he made time to explore and photograph new places. It became his form of self-care, a reminder that he was more than just his job or his responsibilities.
Journaling helped Alex see the patterns in his life—the things that depleted him and the things that fueled him. By making small, consistent changes, he turned his life around.