The Journey Back to Myself: Prioritizing Self-Care as an Introverted Empath

I often wear my empathy like a second skin—absorbing the emotions of those around me, always striving to make life easier for others. As an introvert and an empath, I feel deeply, care deeply, and often put the needs of others above my own. (Too often this is my own choice.)

Losing Myself in the Service of Others

Previously self-commitment was important to me but never a priority. It felt a bit selfish. Shouldn’t I be giving my energy to those who needed me? Shouldn’t I be making sure everyone else was happy? But the more I gave, the more depleted I became. My personal goals gathered dust, my dreams became whispers, and I felt deep inside that this wasn’t the way forward for me.

Breaking Free from Procrastination & Self-Doubt

For too long I told myself I’d start focusing on my goals "tomorrow"—but tomorrow never came. Fear of failure, the guilt of prioritizing myself, and the comfort of staying in familiar patterns kept me stuck.

I was neglecting the one person who needed me most—myself, for years!

Taking Small, Intentional Steps

I didn’t need a drastic life overhaul (at least not at the time)—I needed small, meaningful actions. As an introvert, I found solace in quiet, mindful activities that recharged my energy. I started taking nature walks, working on a growth mindset, practicing meditation, and allowing myself moments of solitude. These small acts of self-respect created momentum, and momentum fueled change. And this actually ended up changing my life so much more I could have ever imagined.

Learning, Adapting & Facing Discomfort

Not every day was (or is) easy. There were setbacks—moments when old habits pulled me back into overextending myself. But I reminded myself that growth isn’t linear. Instead of self-criticism, I asked: What can I learn from this? What am I avoiding by focusing on others? Was I using my empathy as an excuse to run from my own fears?

Setting Boundaries & Learning to Say No

One of the hardest but most necessary lessons was learning to say NO—not just to others, but to myself. How often had I overstepped my own boundaries? When I finally started saying no, something unexpected happened—nothing fell apart. People adjusted. I adjusted. And I felt lighter, freer.

Reconnecting with My Dreams & Finding Focus

As I continued this journey, I became more aware of what drained me and what energised me. Where did I want to be in a year or even just in two months? What truly brought me joy? What aligned with my values? And even more important – what actually are my values? I wrote it all down and created a plan. Commitment to oneself means intentionally directing energy, rather than letting life pull you in every direction.

Believing in Myself: A Radical Act of Self-Love

So now I make a firm decision EVERY DAY: I am worth the effort. My dreams, my needs, and my happiness are not optional—they are essential. Prioritizing myself isn’t selfish. I can’t pour from an empty cup. If I want to be there for others in a healthy way, I have to start showing up for myself first. I have to stop merely surviving and start building a future I love.

Embracing Life with More Energy & Peace

Change isn’t easy, but often necessary. And as I commit to myself every day, something beautiful happens inside of me—I am embracing my life, my nature and my future and I do not want to stop doing so. I have more energy, more peace, more joy. I can still be there for others, but in a way that no longer drained me. I was no longer playing small, minimising myself.

The Lesson I’ll Carry Forward

Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When we nurture ourselves, we show up as our best selves. We can give with intention, love with depth, and chase our dreams without hesitation.

So every day, I choose myself.

Not because others don’t matter—but because I do too!

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