top of page

Choosing Yourself: Navigating Difficult Times with Strength and Self Care-Priority

Writer's picture: Sunny NaughtonSunny Naughton

A photo from The Art of Banksy, which I visited in September of 2024 in Montreal, Canada
A photo from The Art of Banksy, which I visited in September of 2024 in Montreal, Canada

This past week has been a test of resilience, priorities, and self-awareness. In a world that constantly demands more time, energy, and sacrifice, it can feel like choosing yourself is an act of rebellion. But what if the most valuable thing we can offer the world isn’t relentless availability yet an authentic, balanced version of ourselves?


The Challenge of Balancing Priorities


When unexpected challenges arise, like the abrupt halt and restart of work due to an executive order, it throws everything into flux. Suddenly, plans change, stability feels uncertain, and obligations pile up. I found myself facing a difficult decision: honor a personal commitment to visit a friend or stay home and prioritize my emotional well-being after an exhausting week.


It wasn’t easy. Part of me felt like I was letting someone down, while another part knew I needed space to recharge. The tension between external expectations and internal needs can be overwhelming, but I’ve learned that true balance isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about making choices that allow me to show up fully, in a way that’s sustainable.


As I sat with my decision, memories of past moments where I had ignored my own needs to accommodate others came flooding back. Times when I stretched myself too thin, said yes when I was already drained, and paid the price with burnout and resentment. This time, I chose differently. And as hard as it was, I felt a deep sense of relief knowing I was making a decision that aligned with my well-being.


Choosing Yourself in a Culture That Demands More


We live in a culture that glorifies busyness. Productivity is praised, overextending is normalized, and boundaries can be misinterpreted as selfishness. But here’s the truth: constantly giving without refueling is a direct path to burnout.


This week, I had to remind myself that:


  • Rest is productive. Taking time to recharge isn’t laziness—it’s necessary for long-term sustainability.

  • Boundaries are acts of self-respect. Saying no doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you care enough about yourself to avoid depletion.

  • Presence is more valuable than performance. People may expect more, but what they truly benefit from is you being fully present when you do engage.


My support circle reassured me that prioritizing my well-being was the right choice. Their encouragement reminded me that the people who truly care will understand. They didn’t question my need to take time for myself; they validated it. That kind of reinforcement makes all the difference when you’re making difficult choices that honor your own needs.


How to Get Through Difficult Times with Strength


If you’re facing a challenging period, here are a few ways to navigate it with grace and self-care:


  • Acknowledge the Challenge: Difficult moments are real, and denying them only adds stress. Give yourself space to process what’s happening.

  • Prioritize What Matters Most: Not everything needs an immediate response. Focus on what is truly urgent and essential.

  • Listen to Your Needs: Whether it’s rest, movement, solitude, or connection—honor what your mind and body are asking for.

  • Communicate with Honesty and Kindness: If you need to say no, do it with clarity and care. True friends and colleagues will understand.

  • Release Guilt: You are not responsible for managing everyone else’s expectations. Your well-being is just as important as anyone else’s.


Embracing Self-Worth and Authenticity


This past week reminded me that being myself—fully, authentically, and unapologetically—is the most valuable thing I can offer. Not overextending, not people-pleasing, but showing up in a way that is true to who I am.


The world may ask for more, but that doesn’t mean you have to give it. What you owe yourself is balance, care, and a life that feels aligned with your values.


As I move forward, I am carrying this truth with me: My worth is not defined by how much I do for others, but by the quality of presence I bring when I am truly myself. And that is enough.


Here’s to navigating difficult times with strength, grace, and self-priority.


(And thanks to my dear friend for offering words of support even though I couldn't visit in person.)


12 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page