January 22, 2025
Hi, hi, hi, my beautiful humans! Happy Wednesday! Guess what?! IT’S AQUARIUS SEASON! ♒️ Dare I say, the best season of them all? We are the architects of the universe, after all, but okay, maybe I’m a little biased. 🌌😉 Enough about zodiacs… let’s get into something truly powerful, this week’s quote:
“Women centering themselves is the greatest threat to the patriarchy because it gives them the peace of mind and stability needed to gather resources and power. When they are centering men they are often in the most chaotic states of their lives because they are conditioned to self-sacrifice. Catering to others endlessly trapped in a cycle of pouring their labor and energy to people who often don’t reciprocate or fill their cup in turn. Investing in yourself as a woman is the ultimate power move.” – Shahida Arabi ✨
Okay when I read this quote, it was one of those rare moments where someone captures what you’ve been feeling but couldn’t quite put it into words. As a women’s advocate (and a proud girls’ girl 🎀), this hit home. But I also want to note: not all my readers are women. To my male readers, I see you, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about the lived experiences of the women in your lives.
Alright, let’s unpack this, shall we? Heads up, I feel passionately about this, so it’s a long one today. You might need to save this for your lunch break 😜
The idea of centering yourself as a woman feels almost rebellious, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. Why? Because society has conditioned us to pour endlessly from an empty cup, to prioritize others’ needs above our own, and to sacrifice without question. And while there’s undeniable beauty in nurturing and giving, it becomes a dangerous cycle when it’s all you do. Shahida’s words remind us that centering ourselves is not just necessary - it’s radical. It’s a refusal to accept depletion as the norm and an unapologetic declaration that our energy, time, and well-being are worth protecting. It’s powerful, it’s transformative, and yes, it’s a little rebellious, and that’s exactly why it’s time to embrace it.
Investing in yourself can look different depending on where you are in life. Maybe you’re a mom finding small moments to breathe, read a book, or take a shower because even those tiny acts can feel monumental. Maybe you’re focusing on building your career, negotiating that raise you’ve worked so hard for, or finally carving out time to learn a new skill that’s been calling your name. But let’s talk about something deeper: reclaiming your energy. Too often, women are conditioned to pour endlessly into others, leaving themselves depleted and unappreciated. Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying no; it’s about breaking the cycle of overgiving and demanding that your effort be met with respect and reciprocity. It’s about looking at the relationships and commitments in your life and saying, “If this doesn’t pour back into me, it doesn’t deserve all of me.” Sometimes, investing in yourself means walking away from what no longer serves you, unapologetically. It’s about owning your worth and making the bold decision to center your needs, because when you do, you’re not just reclaiming your energy - you’re reclaiming your power.
Here’s the thing: when women stop catering endlessly to others and start reclaiming their energy, everyone benefits. Relationships flourish when mutual respect and reciprocity replace cycles of overgiving. Careers thrive because prioritizing your growth allows you to show up with confidence and clarity that can’t be ignored. Communities grow stronger when women channel their energy into spaces that value and amplify their voices, creating ripples of empowerment and resilience. And on a larger scale, setting boundaries and investing in yourself sends a powerful message: we will no longer pour our labor and energy into spaces that don’t reciprocate or appreciate us. It’s a revolutionary act of defiance in a world that often tries to silence or limit women. Choosing yourself isn’t just personal - it’s political. It’s a bold declaration that your time, energy, and well-being are not negotiable. And in doing so, you not only transform your own life, but you also pave the way for others to do the same.
So, what does investing in yourself look like for you this week? Maybe it’s carving out five minutes of stillness or finally saying no to that one commitment that’s been draining you. Maybe it’s starting that project you’ve been putting off because you were too busy prioritizing everyone else’s needs. Or perhaps it’s reminding yourself that you are worthy of rest, love, and care - not because of what you do for others, but simply because you exist. Whatever it is, take that step unapologetically. You’re not just reclaiming your energy; you’re sending a message that your time and well-being matter. And by doing so, you’re not just reshaping your own world, you’re reshaping what’s possible for everyone around you.
To my male readers: supporting the women in your lives as they reclaim their energy and set boundaries is one of the most meaningful ways to show up. Encourage them to invest in themselves, respect their boundaries, and celebrate their wins -especially when they choose themselves unapologetically. Recognize that when women reclaim their time and energy, it creates a ripple effect that uplifts everyone. When one of us rises, we all rise. And if that scares you, well, it should 🙂
Here’s to the ultimate power move: reclaiming your energy and centering yourself. Let’s make it a daily practice! I’d love to hear how you’re setting boundaries, investing in your well-being, or saying no to what doesn’t serve you. DM me or text me! I’d love to celebrate your wins with you. Until next time, remember: your energy, your time, and your peace are priceless. Keep pouring into your own cup first - you’re so worth it 💟
Trust your journey. Rest your soul. Always leave people better than you found them, and have a powerful day and a transformational weekend ahead! 👽🫶🏻🧿