Why is Self-Care the first thing people neglect when life gets messy?

Last Saturday I hosted my first 90-minute wellness event of 2026 and it definitely won’t be the last.

At the beginning of the session, I invited the incredible women in the room to introduce themselves and share why they had come.

The majority said the same thing:

“Wellness is something I’ve put on the back burner… and this year, I’m choosing it again.”

That landed deeply.

Because for some, self-care sits at the top of their priority list.For others… it’s not even on the list. It’s non-existent.

We know how important it is for our health, our wellbeing, our relationships.We know how powerful and valuable it is not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.

So why…When life gets messy, chaotic, overwhelming, noisy is it the first thing we remove?

Why is the very thing we need most, the first thing we neglect?

And I’m not talking about facials, massages, dinner dates, chocolate cake, or a glass of bubbles.

I’m talking about the deeper self-care.The kind where you turn your attention inward.Where you build a relationship with your inner world.

The part of you that’s quietly or loudly asking for love.For attention.For kindness.For compassion.For understanding.

The inner world that is craving your undivided presence.

What if you gave yourself just five minutes a day?Five minutes to get acquainted with yourself.

You might become the version of you that you actually love.The one who can look in the mirror into your own eyes with joy, excitement, even awe.Instead of criticism.

Imagine spending time with yourself without feeling lonely.Without needing constant distraction.Without running from your thoughts or emotions.

And when you meet the shadows the hidden parts of you instead of shunning them…you lean in.You explore.You shine a light on them.You allow them to exist.

Because what we suppress withincreates friction within —and that friction ripples outward.

This is self-love that is raw.True.Unfiltered.The essence of who you really are.

Wherever you are on your journey whether self-love feels non-existentor you’re years into it this is lifelong work.

Five minutes a day.Two hours a day.It all counts.

Find your quiet place.Disconnect from the outside noise.Put your phone down.Be alone and be okay with it.

Explore the landscape of your beautiful, complex, extraordinary self.

Be true.Be radically authentic.Show up with integrity.No more hiding.No more pretending.

Do you.Be you.

It is the most transformational journey you will ever take.

Trust me I’m living it.Nine years in, and I have never felt more grounded, content, connected, and at home within myself.

What an honour it is to hold space for others as they choose themselves again.

With love,Laree 🤍