How many mornings have you found yourself hunting for a lost shoe, packing lunches, and tossing a load of laundry in the machine…

Only to realize you haven’t done one thing just for yourself?

For so many women—especially busy moms and caregivers—this is just a typical morning. 

But when the constant multitasking, ‘shoulds’, and unending to-do lists leave you stretched thin and quietly burned out, that’s a sign of something much bigger: low self-worth.

Self-worth isn’t just a feel-good buzzword; it’s the foundation on which every part of a fulfilling life is built. 

Pause for a moment and ask yourself:

What would change if you truly believed you were worthy?

The answer could be the beginning of a whole new chapter.

Recognizing your worth is truly the key that unlocks everything else.

It’s more than just a nice idea. 

Self-worth is that deep, steady sense that you deserve love, respect, and happiness simply for being who you are. 

It determines how you treat yourself, what you believe you deserve, and the choices you make, day in and day out.

When you begin to believe this, your world subtly shifts. Suddenly, you’re more willing to go after opportunities that excite you, set boundaries that protect your peace, and let go of relationships that drain you. 

Even science backs this up: psychologists find that self-worth fuels your confidence and resilience, making you braver and more willing to advocate for what you want. 

In fact, studies show women with higher self-esteem report about 45% greater overall wellbeing, and nearly 50% lower rates of psychological distress compared to those who struggle with self-worth.*

Without it, it’s all too easy to slip into self-doubt, to judge yourself harshly, or to quietly settle for less than you deserve. 

That’s why restoring your sense of worth isn’t just ‘nice’. 

Your self-worth is absolutely essential for living a life that feels true and fulfilling.

Let’s be honest: 

Most of us didn’t wake up one day and decide to battle with self-doubt or question our worth. 

Almost every woman I know has felt stretched thin by unspoken expectations, so you’re definitely not alone in this.

So much of this struggle comes from messages we’ve absorbed over a lifetime, subtle cues from society, the media, even well-meaning family and friends, all quietly shaping our inner voice. 

The suggestion that ‘being nice’ means always saying yes, or that putting yourself first is selfish. 

Sometimes, it’s childhood comments like, “Why can’t you be more like your sister?” that plant seeds of doubt and make you question your worth. 

Or maybe it’s the endless scroll of ‘perfect’ images on social media, where women who never rest are celebrated, or the movies that reward characters for staying quiet and going along. 

These messages aren’t harmless background noise. They’re subtle, but powerful, and they’re teaching you—over and over—that your value depends on how much you sacrifice, how silent you stay, and how small you make yourself for others.

These persistent messages chip away at your worth, making you doubt your right to speak up, care for yourself, or even take up space. 

Here’s the truth: being overwhelmed by these feelings is incredibly common, and it’s not your fault. 

You didn’t write the story that shaped your self-belief.

But you absolutely have the power to change your story starting today. 

The journey to self-worth isn’t about blaming yourself. It’s about compassionately understanding the real reasons behind your doubts, and choosing, moment by moment, to rewrite them.

When you truly recognize your worth, it transforms the way you make choices.

You start making choices that honour what you need and want, not just what others expect. 

Instead of quietly settling for less, you speak up for what you really want. You stop pushing yourself beyond your limits, and start pausing before saying “yes” to every request.

This growing sense of self-respect makes you more resilient in the face of challenges because you know that your needs matter. 

As you show up unapologetically for yourself—speaking your truth, going after your dreams—you naturally become a source of inspiration for others. 

Your courage lights the way, reminding those around you that they, too, deserve to claim their worth and live boldly.

How would you show up differently if you truly believed you were worthy? 

Building self-worth doesn’t come from grand gestures. It happens in those small, everyday choices most people might not notice. 

For me, it looked like pausing before automatically saying “yes” when a colleague asked if I could take on an extra task, and choosing instead to say, “I’m at capacity right now.” 

It meant speaking up when a friend asked where we should meet for coffee, and instead of the usual, “I don’t mind, whatever’s easiest,” I actually named the place I love. 

Sometimes, it’s treating myself to fresh flowers during a grocery run (tulips in the spring and sunflowers in the fall make me especially happy) or claiming ten quiet minutes just for me before the boys get up and morning chaos ensues. 

Every time I honour what I truly need, even in the smallest ways, I plant another seed of self-respect, trust, and freedom.

These little moments really do add up. With each one, you’re reminded that you deserve to listen to yourself and care for your needs, just as much as anyone else. 

If you take just one thing away, let it be this: 

Recognizing your worth isn’t selfish. It’s the first and most crucial step to creating a life you love. 

When you accept that you are worthy as you are, you lay the foundation for genuine happiness, stronger boundaries, and fuller self-expression. 

Mini-Challenge for the Week

♥️ Notice one choice you make from a place of self-worth, no matter how small.

♥️ Write it down (on paper, in your phone, or even just say it out loud).

♥️ Celebrate yourself for honouring your needs!

Extra Reflection:

Grab your journal and explore:

What’s one area of my life that could truly blossom if I recognized my worth?

Recognizing your worth isn’t selfish—it’s the first step to a life you love.

* Sowislo, J. F., & Orth, U. (2023). "Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion: A Narrative Review and Meta-Analysis." PubMed Central.