1.    Do you feel so depleted that you lack the motivation and energy to take care of or do anything for yourself… but the moment you hear a faint cry for help, that is, someone else asks you to do something for them, you are up and on your way to them without hesitation?

In the quiet moments of solitude, when the weight of responsibilities settles heavily upon me, I often find myself engulfed in a sense of overwhelming depletion. It's as if every ounce of motivation and energy has been drained from my being, leaving me feeling utterly exhausted and incapable of mustering the strength to care for myself. Yet, amidst this overwhelming fatigue, there remains a flicker of readiness, a spark ignited at the faintest cry for help from another.

As a woman, the compulsion to put the needs of others before my own is ingrained. It's a role I've played for so long that it's become second nature, a reflex response born out of a deep-seated compulsion to nurture and support others. But in the process of tending to the needs of others, I often neglect the most important person of all… myself.

The paradox lies in the disparity between my own depleted state and my unwavering readiness to come to the aid of others. It's as if the mere mention of someone else needing assistance awakens a dormant sense of purpose within me, propelling me into action with a sense of urgency and determination. Yet, when it comes to tending to my own needs, I find myself paralysed by a sense of inertia, unable to muster the same level of commitment and dedication.

This pattern of prioritising others over myself has taken its toll over the years, leaving me feeling drained and depleted, both physically and emotionally. It's a vicious cycle that perpetuates feelings of inadequacy and self-neglect, further exacerbating the imbalance between giving and receiving.

But amidst the chaos of caring for others, there lies a glimmer of hope… a recognition that in order to truly be of service to others, I must first learn to care for myself. It's a lesson that requires courage and self-awareness, a willingness to confront the uncomfortable truth that my own needs are just as valid and deserving of attention as those of others.

To all women who find themselves caught in this perpetual cycle of selflessness, I offer this gentle reminder… it's okay to prioritise yourself. You are worthy of love, care, and attention, and your needs deserve to be met just as much as anyone else's. So, take a moment to pause, to breathe, and to tend to the most important person in your life… YOU. Only then can you truly show up as the strong, compassionate woman you were meant to be.