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THE UNSEEN STRUGGLE

 SERIES 10: CHOOSING MYSELF


#TheUnseenStruggle


They say, “You deserve to rest.”

But the moment I try… guilt creeps in.

Because for so long, my worth has been tied to what I give.


I get praised when I’m working.

They call me amazing when I’m pouring out.

But the moment I choose me?

It feels like betrayal.


Like I’m leaving someone behind.

Like I’m selfish for even thinking about my own needs first.


I’ve been the dependable one.

The one who shows up.

The one who rearranges her life to fit everyone else’s emergencies.

So when I say no, the silence feels heavy.

I feel like I’m letting someone down.


I cancel my plans for theirs.

I stretch myself thin to help them.

Because for so long,

I’ve been wired to think my worth is measured by how much I give.

That my duty is to always be available.

That good daughters sacrifice without question.


But what about me?

What about the girl whose soul is tired?

What about the woman who’s been running on empty for years?


When I finally do something for myself,

I hear the voices,

Theirs and mine, asking:

Why now? Shouldn’t you be helping someone?


The truth is, sometimes I choose me for just one day.

I turn off my phone.

I breathe.

I sleep.

And still, guilt knocks on my door, whispering:

“They need you.”

“You’re letting them down.”

“Who will fix it if not you?”


But I am learning…

Choosing myself doesn’t mean I don’t care.

It means I want to live long enough to keep caring.

It means my cup needs to be full if I’m going to pour into others.


I am not selfish for resting.

I am not wrong for protecting my peace.

I am not ungrateful for wanting more than survival.


One day, I hope the guilt fades.

And self-care stops feeling like a crime.


From ADA — The First Daughter


#AnticipateADAbook

#UnseenStrugglesOfFirstDaughters

#ADAstrugglesSeries

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