Self-care or Hustle Hard?
The Real Talk about When to Grind and When to Chill
Let’s get into it! We’ve all been there—feeling like if we’re not constantly grinding, we’re somehow falling behind. The hustle culture has us believing that success only comes from working non-stop and that if we’re not chasing after every opportunity with relentless energy, we’re just lazy. But let me ask you, is that the truth? Does working yourself into the ground define your worth? Do you need to sacrifice your peace for the illusion of having it all together?
Sure, we all want to be successful. We all have goals, dreams, and aspirations that we’re striving for. And yes, hard work is a part of that journey. But at what cost? We’ve all heard the sayings— “Ball till you fall” or “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” But let’s be real, what’s the point of working yourself to the bone if you’re too exhausted to enjoy the fruits of your labor? It’s time to get honest about the damage this mindset can cause.
I get it. I’ve lived it. As a single mom hustling to provide for my three kids, I know all too well what it means to be on that grind. I was working long hours, juggling two jobs, and even trying to squeeze in school to make a better life for my babies. But here’s the thing—while I was busy trying to hold everything together, I was falling apart. I was tired, I was stressed, and I was checked out. I wasn’t the mom I wanted to be because I was too burnt out to be present. Something had to give. I had to learn to prioritize, to let go of some things, and to put myself first because if I didn’t, everything else would crumble.
So, let’s toss out this idea that we must work ourselves to the brink of exhaustion to be successful. Where’s the joy in that? If we’re too busy hustling, when do we get to stop and appreciate what we’ve achieved? Grinding until you drop might get you somewhere, that place we don’t want to go before our time or end up in the hospital from over exhaustion or stress. But is it worth it if you’re too tired or too stressed to enjoy it?
Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. And you better believe I’m going to keep preaching this because it’s the truth. Self-care is about making sure you’re recharged and filled up so you can be the best version of yourself—not just for you, but for the people who need you. It’s about giving from a place of abundance, not burnout. It’s about knowing you deserve to feel whole, to indulge in the things that bring you joy—whether that’s a spa day, a massage, or just sitting on the couch doing nothing without a shred of guilt. It also means setting boundaries and knowing it’s okay to say no when you need to. Take time to replenish yourself because you deserve it.
But here’s the bottom line: if you’re grinding so hard that you don’t even have time to enjoy what you’ve worked for, what’s the point? Life is meant to be lived, not just survived. We’ve got to stop buying into the lie that rest and relaxation are for the weak. They’re for the wise. Let’s start celebrating rest and balance just as much as we celebrate hard work. Make space for peace and joy, for those little moments that make life sweet.
We deserve to live a full life. And that starts with taking care of yourself first.
What’s one thing you can let go of today to make more space for self-care and joy in your life?
With love and empowerment - E
#EmpowerSisterhood #SelfCareMatters #BalanceIsKey #LiveFully