Week 19: The Power of Saying Yes to Myself

The Power of Saying Yes to Myself: Prioritizing Myself Without the Guilt

There was a time when saying “yes” to myself felt like a betrayal to everyone else. If someone needed help, I was there. If someone needed something last-minute, I’d drop everything. If plans didn’t work for me, I’d still say yes—because saying “no” felt selfish. But somewhere along the way, I realized that always saying “yes” to others was constantly saying “no” to myself.

That realization hit hard.

I can’t pinpoint the first time I unapologetically said yes to myself, but I know it wasn’t anything big or dramatic. Most likely, I just turned off my phone on a Saturday morning, curled up with a good book, and let myself enjoy the quiet without any obligations. I might have checked in—or maybe I didn’t—but for once, it wasn’t my priority. I gave myself permission to rest—and it felt incredibly empowering.

Then came the bigger “yes” moments.

• I said yes to turning down an invitation to a gathering I didn’t want to attend.
• I said yes to booking a solo weekend trip just because I needed clarity. The beach is my go-to spot.
• I said yes to investing in therapy, coaching, and tools that helped me grow.
• I said yes to not explaining myself when I set boundaries.

Each time I chose myself, it got a little easier. Each time, I reclaimed a part of me that had been buried under people-pleasing, over-committing, and emotional exhaustion.

Saying yes to myself hasn’t made me selfish. It’s made me stronger, more present, and—ironically—more available for others in a healthier, more balanced way. Because I’m not running on fumes or resentment anymore.

If you’re waiting for a sign to say yes to yourself—this is it. Start small. Start today. Your peace, your energy, your joy? They’re worth it.

Question for you:
What’s one way you can say yes to yourself this week—without guilt?

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Join me on this blogging challenge. Visit the page and download the PDF. I would love to read your story! 

• Week 19 – Blogging Challenge for Codependency Recovery:
  • Recognizing Manipulation and Control: Share your strategies for identifying unhealthy dynamics.
• Week 19– Blogging Challenge for Advanced Codependency Recovery:
  • The Power of Saying Yes to Myself: Share moments when you prioritized yourself unapologetically.

#CodependencyChallenge2025