We all know that person or maybe we are that person.

We live in a world that encourages us to give, sacrifice, and show up for others—our families, our jobs, our communities. And while generosity and responsibility are beautiful traits, somewhere along the way, many of us quietly started believing that we ourselves aren’t worth the same effort we extend to everyone else. Meaning we start neglecting our health.

It’s not just our emotions or mental well-being—often it is our physical health. We skip workouts to get more work done. Eat whatever’s convenient instead of what’s nourishing. We ignore aches, pains, fatigue, or stress because “there’s no time” or “other people need me more.”

Here is the question: if a loved one were experiencing the same physical decline, would you tell them to just power through? Or would you urge them to slow down, invest in their well-being, and prioritize their health?

For most of us, the answer is clear. We would never let someone we care about live in a state of neglect. So why is it so easy to let ourselves live that way?

We Devalue Ourselves Without Realizing It.

Many people unconsciously operate under the belief that investing in their own health—whether that means joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer, scheduling a physical, or buying quality food—is indulgent or unnecessary. It’s seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. This is another choice of neglecting our health.

The reality is, you only have one body, one mind, one soul. If it’s falling apart, everything else begins to suffer: your energy, your mood, your ability to show up for others.

Skipping that doctor’s appointment, brushing off chronic fatigue, or ignoring your diet may save you a little time or money now—but the long-term cost is often far greater. You can’t be your best for others if you’re not taking care of yourself.

The Guilt of Self-Care.

Self-care—particularly physical self-care—is often tangled up with guilt. We think:

• “That money could go toward my kids.
• “I can’t justify spending that on a fitness program.”
• “I should be doing something more productive with my time.”

But self-care isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. It’s an investment that pays off in energy, focus, confidence, and longevity. If you’re healthier, you’ll not only live longer, but you’ll also have more years of quality life—years where you can play with your kids, travel, work meaningfully, or simply enjoy being in your own body.

You Deserve What You’d Give to Someone You Love.

So here’s something to reflect on: if someone you care about were struggling with their health, what would you say to them?
You’d likely encourage them to seek help. To rest, eat better and move more. You might even offer to pay for a service or program to help them feel better.

Now ask yourself: why don’t you deserve the same?
You are just as worthy of investment, support, and care as anyone else. Your health matters—not only to you, but to those who love you. Because when you feel better physically, you show up stronger in every role you play.

Final Thoughts: The Time Is Now.

So it’s never too late to start valuing your health. Whether it’s booking that long-overdue checkup, taking a daily walk, cooking a nutritious meal, or simply resting when your body tells you to—each choice you make sends a message:

I matter.

So let’s stop neglecting our health. You are not a machine designed to keep going until you break. You are a human being, and you are absolutely worth the effort.

Unchained Ability