In our carefully choreographed dance of responsibilities, we create space for everything except ourselves. Learn why reclaiming time for meaningful self-care isn't selfish—it's survival, and how to defend your right to take up space on your priority list.

A bright, airy living room with a light blue sofa showcasing a woman surrounded by five young children. She's wearing glasses and a colorful headband, laughing while managing the beautiful chaos around her. The children—varying in age from toddler to preschool—are engaged in different activities: some cuddling, others playing, creating a vibrant portrait of parenthood that perfectly illustrates why intentional self-care becomes both challenging and essential.

"I asked if they could change the music, but they just ignored me," a client told me about a previous Reiki experience. "Then they used aromatherapy after I specifically told them certain smells are triggering for me. When I became uncomfortable, the practitioner told me I 'needed to get over what triggered me' and that 'if I loved myself more, I wouldn't be so easily irritated.'"

Description of image: This image shows a close-up view of two people's hands clasped together in what appears to be a supportive gesture. One person, wearing a blue button-up shirt and what looks like an orange/rust-colored shawl or cardigan, is having their hand held by another person wearing a light brown/beige ribbed sweater.