Devoting the rest of 2026 to looking after me

I recently made a huge decision - to prioritise myself for the rest of 2026.

The deal is, I'll make decisions based on what I feel is right for me, filling my own cup first and valuing my feelings. A simple concept, but challenging to execute after a lifetime of saying yes when I wanted to say no, and putting my needs aside to serve others.

The notion of feeling like something needed to change came about five years ago, when my massage therapist suggested I start looking after myself. I remember thinking, 'how?' - I didn't know the first thing about how to look after myself. Nurturing others came naturally, but self-care was foreign.

Since then, I've been on a journey of figuring out what I need and how to fulfil the need. It's been messy. Saying no and being riddled with guilt. Asking a friend for help and feeling embarrassed and incapable. Letting friends and relationships go when they no longer feel equitable and feeling lonely.

I turned thirty at the beginning of the year and in reflection of my twenties, I felt so proud of this new version of me I'd created. I had my skincare routine down pat, was getting regular massages and pedis, and was consistent with my martial arts training. On the surface I'd cracked the code of how to look after myself, but underneath I felt exhausted all the time.

I was working and eating out a lot, I didn't have energy or desire to cook for myself. I was spending my free time on addictive short form social media and dating apps, loosing hours of my day. I wasn't sleeping well. I was wired and tired.

Even though I'd come a long way, I was still people pleasing - at work and in my friendships. I was struggling to set boundaries for fear of damaging the relationship or having to deal with conflict.

I was overworked and undervalued, which was actually a reflection of how I felt about myself. That's when I decided to make the rest of 2026 about me and share my journey in the hopes of inspiring others.

To some people, this is not a big deal. There are people in my life who've brushed it off, as if I simply told them what I had for breakfast. For me, and for anyone who's been conditioned from a young age to put their needs aside to be available to service others, it is a big deal. And the boldest act of self care I have made to myself yet.

So for the next six months, I'm spending less time on apps, more time cooking for myself and moving my body, and valuing my feelings above anything else. It's a lifelong journey and I feel privileged to support young people to do the same; to trust themselves, set meaningful goals and become more confident.

The road ahead feels unknown, vulnerable and scary, so I know it's going to be worth it. Here's to feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

Ash xx

Lead Mentor at Worthie