The Power of Self-Care: Discovering Your Worth and Embracing Your Light

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Dalai Lama

For much of my life, I struggled with the idea that I was worthy—worthy of love, care, joy, and fulfillment. I poured my energy into others, into proving my value through what I could do, create, or achieve, all the while ignoring my own needs. It wasn’t until I began the messy, beautiful work of prioritizing self-care and self-worth that I realized this truth: You cannot truly show up for the world if you are constantly diminishing yourself.

The Journey to Self-Worth

My struggle with self-worth was rooted in a constant sense of “not enoughness.” No matter how much I achieved, how hard I worked, or how much I gave, it never felt sufficient. I carried the weight of my own expectations and the belief that my worth was something I had to earn.

But life has a way of guiding us back to ourselves if we’re willing to listen. Over time, through self-reflection, coaching others, and exploring teachings that nurture the soul, I began to understand that my worth is not tied to what I do or how others perceive me—it is intrinsic, unshakable, and mine to claim.

“It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.” – Bhagavad Gita

This quote from the Bhagavad Gita resonated deeply with me. It reminded me that my worth comes not from trying to be everything for everyone, but from embracing my own unique path, imperfections and all.

Why Self-Care Matters

Prioritizing self-care is not selfish—it is essential, especially in the midst of life’s beautiful chaos. Between family obligations, careers, and the constant pull to be everything for everyone, it’s easy to lose ourselves in the busyness. But self-care is not a luxury; it is a declaration that you are worthy of time, love, and attention. It is an act of reclaiming your energy, grounding yourself in the present, and nourishing the parts of you that often go unseen.

I learned this the hard way. When I finally allowed myself to prioritize my well-being, I noticed something profound: my relationships became more meaningful, my sense of purpose deepened, and I could show up for others with greater authenticity and compassion. Taking care of myself didn’t take away from what I could give—it expanded it.

For me, self-care looks like carving out moments of stillness, journaling my thoughts, walking in nature, and creating sacred spaces where I can simply be. It means setting boundaries, saying no when I need to, and listening to the wisdom of my body and heart. In a life that is full—sometimes overwhelmingly so—self-care is not an escape; it is the foundation that allows us to fully engage, find joy, and move through the mess with grace.

“When you realize your worth, the whole world benefits. You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the entire ocean in a drop.” – Rumi

“When you realize your worth, the whole world benefits. You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the entire ocean in a drop.” – Rumi

Knowing Your Worth

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that knowing your worth doesn’t mean you’ll never doubt yourself again—it means you’ll have the tools to remind yourself of the truth when doubt creeps in.

“When you realize your worth, the whole world benefits. You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the entire ocean in a drop.” – Rumi

Understanding my worth has been a process of letting go of old stories, forgiving myself for past mistakes, and embracing the parts of me that feel imperfect. It’s a journey I continue to walk every day.

A Call to Action

If you’re reading this and struggling to feel worthy, I want you to know that you are not alone. You are enough—exactly as you are, in this moment. Take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you deserve the same care, kindness, and love that you so freely give to others.

Self-care is not just about bubble baths and spa days (though those can be wonderful too). It’s about honoring your needs, valuing your time, and giving yourself permission to rest, heal, and grow.

“Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward.” – Bhagavad Gita

This wisdom reminds us to focus on the process, not the outcome. Prioritize the work of loving yourself, of showing up for yourself, and trust that the rewards—greater confidence, deeper joy, and authentic connection—will follow.

You are worthy of every good thing life has to offer. And when you embrace your worth, you create ripples of change that extend far beyond yourself.

Sara Abernethy

Sara Abernethy is passionate about community engagement, blending holistic coaching and strategic planning to foster meaningful connections with lasting impact. With a background in community development and equity-driven initiatives, she takes a compassionate, big-picture approach to empowering individuals and communities.

https://saraabernethy.com
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Embracing Joy, Creating Change: My Journey to Empower Others