If I'm always focused on making others comfortable, taking care of their needs, creating peace around me—where do I go? Where is the space for what I want? And here's what worries me: I think I've been taught that taking care of myself is selfish. That a good woman puts everyone else first. But I'm starting to wonder if that's actually true, or if that's just a story that lets men feel taken care of while women burn out.

I don't want to become hard and competitive. I still believe in my role as someone who creates beauty and peace. But I'm learning that you can't pour from an empty cup. If I'm always empty, always giving, always thinking about everyone else—what kind of woman am I really becoming? A tired one. A resentful one. Not the kind of partner I want to be.

So I'm trying to find the balance. Strength that doesn't become coldness. Self-care that doesn't become selfishness. The ability to say no without it breaking something. 🤍

How do you take care of yourself when everything in you wants to take care of everyone else?