Prioritizing Myself Amidst Life's Challenges

It’s not always easy to maintain a normal schedule, especially when life gets overwhelming — not just from work or daily responsibilities, but from the environment you live in.

Living in a toxic household, where even one person’s obsessive, controlling, or manipulative behavior creates chaos, can add enormous strain to your mental health. It’s no surprise that this, combined with the pressures of work and health issues you never asked for, can drive anxiety and stress to difficult levels.

Recently, I found myself facing a tough reality. Because of the stress I’ve been carrying since Easter — from both work and family tensions — I gained weight (specifically went from 68-69lbs back to 74.6lbs), and as a result, I had to increase my medications from three specific pills a week to five. It wasn’t something I wanted or expected, and honestly, it’s been hard to accept. The weight gain has affected me emotionally too, making it even harder to fight off the depression that’s crept in alongside these physical challenges.

But here’s what I’ve realized: it’s time to prioritize myself. Not just my job. Not just the people around me. Me.

This means focusing on my health — booking doctor’s appointments, sticking to my medication plan, and taking steps to rebuild my strength and gradually lose weight. I know that in order to be at my best professionally, I have to feel better physically and mentally. That means investing in my well-being without guilt or hesitation.

It’s not easy, but I’m determined to show up for myself. Because I deserve that — and so do you, if you’re walking a similar path.