As the first quarter of the year ends, it’s time to take stock. At the start of the year, you created a vision board and wrote down your plans. You were fired up, hopeful for what the year would bring. Four months in, what progress do you have to show?
It’s one thing to make your vision plain; it’s another to act on it. Dreams only become reality when you prioritize them. Otherwise, they remain a quiet agreement between you and those inked pages, gathering dust as time passes.
Working toward your dreams is one of the purest forms of self-love. But sometimes, planning becomes a safe zone; an illusion of movement without progress. Then, when nothing changes, you give up. Many of us shrink from the magnitude of our dreams because they feel overwhelming. But big dreams take time. David didn’t ascend the throne on the day he was anointed. All that’s asked of you at the start is a step of faith.
More often than not, our priorities are dictated by our subconscious rather than conscious choice. That’s why we:
Overcommit to plans we don’t want to, then regret them later.
Drop everything to rush to someone’s aid while neglecting our own needs.
Sacrifice personal time and hobbies to work a little longer.
Doom-scroll past bedtime instead of resting.
It's easy to make plans, but the real question is: How do you actually get them done?
Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care ensures that when you show up for others, you do so as your best self. What’s the point of generosity if it only leads to resentment?
Resentment builds when you constantly put others’ needs before your own, expecting them to reciprocate—only to realize they don’t. The truth is, they may not even know you need anything from them. People assume this is just who you are, but in reality, it’s who you’ve chosen to be. No wonder it feels lonely and exhausting.
Every emotion is a messenger. Exhaustion, for example, is one of the most telling emotions. It can be a sign that you need to recharge or that you’re pouring your energy into the wrong places. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. So, what is your heart full of? You can lie to yourself but your body still screams for freedom. Listen to your emotions. There’s nothing wrong with helping others, but you can’t be a guide who’s abandoned them self.
Think about how you feel after saying "yes" to something you wanted to say "no" to. Worse still, you might have even overcommitted enthusiastically, disregarding your own schedule. In a bid not to disappoint others, you struggle to enforce boundaries. The only person you’re okay with disappointing is yourself.
People pleasing once served a purpose. It kept you safe, accepted, or loved. But God is calling us beyond survival mode. If you grew up where self-sacrifice was praised and self-care was selfish, it makes sense that you struggle with prioritizing yourself. Acknowledge it and commit to doing the work. It's time to thrive.
When all your time is consumed by others, you lose sight of your own desires and goals. Where do you fall on your own list of priorities?
Prioritizing yourself is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about showing up for yourself the way you show up for others. Give yourself the kindness, patience, and grace you freely extend to everyone else.
Loving others doesn’t mean neglecting yourself. We are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves—but that second part is often forgotten. Pray about the state of your heart. Let God guide you in discovering whether your acts are fueled by love or fear. The parts you desperately want to keep hidden, might need light to heal.
Healing & Redefining Priorities
Here’s how you can start prioritizing yourself:
Set clear boundaries—and enforce them.
Communicate your needs—people can’t show up for you if they don’t know how.
Drop obligations that drain you—not everything deserves your energy.
Nurture relationships that encourage balance—the right people will respect your growth.
Start small—invest in yourself intentionally, even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
Seek support—therapy, mentorship, or community can help you grow.
Making yourself a priority means tending to your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. That means:
Eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
Spending time on hobbies and things that bring you joy.
Creating space for self-reflection, away from the noise of social media.
Remember:
You are not responsible for everyone else’s happiness. Release yourself from that burden. When you let guilt and obligation dictate your life, you leave no room for authentic connection. Fear of conflict shouldn’t keep you from protecting your peace.
This season put your plans at the top of your priorities. That’s how you shine your light.
Bible verses
Proverbs 29:25
Matthew 11:28
Matthew 5:37
Musings
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Very true. We must prioritise ourselves, or we will resent others and ourselves for it. People who love you will respect your boundaries and also support your growth. It's on us to honour those boundaries and not lower the bar at the slightest sign of resistance.
I’m glad this resonated with you 😊