Why Is It So Hard to Choose the Best for Ourselves?
Have you ever found yourself standing in the kitchen, debating between a healthy salad and a comforting toasted sandwich? Or sitting in your car, deciding whether to go to the gym or skip it? We all know what the better choice is in the long run, but that doesn’t make the decision any easier, does it?
Recently, I sat with a client who, like many of us, is struggling with burnout. As we talked about these small, everyday choices, we found ourselves asking a bigger question: Why is it so hard to choose the best for ourselves? If we were making these choices for our children, we’d have no doubt about picking the healthiest, most nourishing option. But when it comes to our own well-being, we often settle for what’s convenient.
What’s Really Going On Here?
This tendency to settle for less often boils down to self-worth.
What is Self-Worth?
At its core, self-worth is the belief that we are valuable, deserving of care, love, and respect—simply because we exist. When we truly believe we are worthy, we naturally treat ourselves with kindness and make choices that nourish our body, mind, and soul. But when our self-worth is low, we often push our own needs aside, make unhealthy choices, or find ourselves stuck in patterns that don’t serve us.
How Does Low Self-Worth Affect Our Lives?
When we don’t feel worthy, it shows up in the way we treat ourselves. We might:
- Neglect our own needs,
- Choose convenience over nourishment,
- Burn out from overgiving or overworking,
- Feel stuck in habits that drain us, and
- Struggle to prioritize self-care.
But here’s the truth: You are inherently worthy. Just as you would choose the best for your loved ones, you deserve to choose the best for yourself too.
How Can You Start Shifting This?
The first step in shifting this pattern is recognizing your worth and beginning to reconnect with your body. One powerful way to do this is through somatic practices—exercises that help you physically feel your worth.
Here’s a simple exercise to get you started:
Somatic Exercise: The Heart-Hug
- Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed for a few minutes.
- Take a seat or stand comfortably with your feet planted on the ground. Close your eyes if it feels good to do so.
- Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Take a deep breath in through your nose, feeling your belly rise and your chest expand as you breathe in.
- As you exhale, say to yourself, “I am worthy,” and feel the connection between your hands and your body.
- Repeat this breath and affirmation 5 times, or as many times as feels comfortable. With each breath, imagine sending love and care to your heart.
- Notice any sensations in your body. Do you feel warmth, calm, or a shift in your energy? Let yourself be present with whatever arises, without judgment.
This simple practice helps you reconnect with your body and affirm your worth.
Deepening Your Self-Worth Through Journaling
Along with somatic exercises, journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. Here are some journal prompts to help you explore your self-worth more deeply:
- What does “self-worth” mean to me?
- What emotions or thoughts come up when I try to make a healthy choice for myself?
- How do I show love and care to others? Am I giving myself the same level of care?
- What habits or choices in my life reflect low self-worth? How can I start changing them?
- If I truly believed I was worthy of the best, what would I do differently starting tomorrow?
Take some time with these questions. As you explore your self-worth, you’ll begin to notice subtle shifts in how you treat yourself and the choices you make.
Final Thoughts
Choosing what’s best for ourselves isn’t always easy, especially when burnout or low self-worth is involved. But by taking small steps—like practicing the Heart-Hug or journaling about your self-worth—you can start to reconnect with your inherent value. Remember, just like your children or loved ones, you deserve the best care, attention, and love.
If you’re ready to explore this further or if you’re feeling stuck, I’d love to support you. Let’s chat! You can book a call with me here and we’ll explore ways to get you back on track.
You deserve it.
