“I Deserve This” — Why Owning Your Worth Changes Everything

This week, one of my clients said something powerful: “I deserve this.” She wasn’t talking about coaching; she was talking about a decision she was making to prioritize herself—her health, her happiness, and her well-being.

Hearing her say this was so impactful because it wasn’t just about the words; it was about the way she truly believed them. She recognized her worth and was ready to take action on it.

How often do we say this to ourselves? And more importantly, how often do we believe it?

For so many of us, burnout is almost a given because we’re so used to putting ourselves last. We might think, “I’ll rest later,” “I’ll take care of myself once I’ve finished this project,” or “My needs can wait.” And yet, this cycle leaves us exhausted, overextended, and often on the verge of burnout.

What if we started to believe that we, too, deserve the same care, love, and kindness we offer others? What would change in our lives if we let ourselves prioritize our well-being?

Why Self-Worth Matters

At the heart of “I deserve this” is the concept of self-worth. Self-worth is the foundation of every decision we make, especially those involving our well-being. When we genuinely feel we are worthy, we naturally gravitate toward choices that support our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Yet, when our self-worth is low, we often:

Put our own needs on the back burner,
Settle for choices that drain us,
Burn out from overgiving, and
Struggle to break free from unhealthy patterns.

When we truly believe we deserve the best for ourselves, it’s easier to make decisions that reflect this belief. This shift—from burnout to genuine well-being—is rooted in the realization that we are worthy of the time, energy, and love we so readily give to others.

How to Start Prioritizing Yourself

Believing in your worth and acting on it takes practice. But here are a few steps you can take to start making that shift:

Acknowledge Your Needs: Take note of what you truly need right now—whether it’s more rest, movement, or joy. Don’t dismiss it; own it.
Practice Saying “I Deserve This”: Just like my client did, say to yourself, “I deserve this.” Practice saying it out loud if it helps. Let the phrase become a regular affirmation.
Take Small Actions: Maybe it’s choosing a nourishing meal, setting aside 10 minutes for yourself, or saying no to something that doesn’t serve you. Whatever it is, start with small actions that reinforce your belief in your worth.

Somatic Exercise: Anchoring Your Worth

One powerful way to reinforce self-worth is through somatic exercises—practices that connect your mind with your body. Here’s one to try when you need to remind yourself that you deserve care and compassion.

“I Deserve” Breath Exercise

Find a comfortable space where you can sit or stand without interruption.
Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Close your eyes, if you’d like, and take a deep, slow breath in, feeling your belly rise.
As you exhale, say to yourself, “I deserve this.” You can say it out loud or in your mind.
With each inhale, imagine that you’re filling yourself up with love and care.
With each exhale, release any tension or doubts about your worth.
Repeat this process for 5-10 breaths, feeling your worthiness settle into your body.

This exercise helps you experience your worthiness, not just in your mind, but in your body as well. Practicing this regularly can reinforce the belief that you truly deserve the best care and attention.

Reflecting on Your Worth

If you’d like to dig deeper, here are a few reflective questions to consider:

Do I genuinely believe that I deserve to feel healthy, happy, and well?
What is one area of my life where I consistently put myself last?
What small step could I take today to show myself that I am worthy?

Taking time to reflect on these questions can help you notice where you may be holding back and open doors to new choices that nurture your well-being.

Final Thoughts: Owning Your Worth

Remember, believing that you deserve the best isn’t a one-time shift. It’s a daily practice of choosing yourself, even when it feels challenging. Just as you would encourage a loved one to rest, recharge, and care for themselves, extend the same kindness to yourself.

If you’re ready to start prioritizing your health, happiness, and well-being and break the burnout cycle for good, I’m here to support you. Let’s talk about how we can work together to help you feel truly deserving. You can book a call with me here. Owning your worth starts with a single choice. Make it today. You deserve it.