Investing in Myself

Are you truly investing in yourself?
So often, we put ourselves second—spending our time, money, and energy caring for others, while neglecting the very person who needs us the most: ourselves. I used to be like that too. I constantly worried about how others felt, hoping they would like me more, stay close to me longer. Even when I was exhausted or unwell, I forced myself to show up at gatherings, laugh at stories, and raise glasses of drinks I didn’t even want, just to make someone else feel heard.

After countless nights of heavy drinks, greasy food, and irregular sleep, my body finally gave in, and I found myself bedridden for days. It wasn’t a serious illness, but I had no energy left—even the smallest tasks felt impossible to manage on my own. That was the moment I realized: it was time to start living differently. It was time to make a conscious promise—to begin investing in myself first.

I started small. I cut back on late-night drinking and heavy meals, choosing instead lighter, healthier foods. I began exercising regularly, sweating out the stress, and committed to going to bed at a consistent hour. Naturally, I stopped rushing to every gathering, and instead, I used my resources to create a healthier space for myself—better bedding, blackout curtains, a diffuser to improve my sleep. With the time I gained, I cooked with care, learned new ways to nourish myself, and spent more moments on things that genuinely brought me joy.

The results went beyond just health. My inflammation levels dropped, my immune system strengthened, my stress faded. People started telling me my skin looked brighter, that my expression felt lighter. My self-esteem grew, and even in fashion, I began choosing clothes not to imitate someone else’s style, but to reflect who I truly am.

In the end, it comes down to something simple: eat well, rest well, live well. But behind that simplicity lies a choice—to keep showing up for yourself, every day.

We turn on the light first for ourselves. But the brighter that light becomes, the more it naturally reaches the people around us. And if each of us continues to invest in our own light, together, we create a cityscape of shining moments—an endless night filled with warmth and brilliance.

-Luda